2022Fall PITTSBURGH WELLNESS THROUGH THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND Vol. 10 Issue 1 FREE! PITTSBURGH’S #1 resource for everything PetConnectionspetconnections.petpets!PhotographyBuzzy Anitacredit:photoCover Charlie & Latasha PetDogtoberFESTBatch2022MemorialSunday CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARY YEARS11
Did you know? PetConnections has evolved into a full-service specialized pet media company, providing services for advertising in print and digital marketing platforms to help our sponsors grow their businesses. Contact us below for information on advertising or sponsoring!
Our cover features Manon Farm’s Princess Showcase riding show! See the Equine Affairs section article inside, April Minech! Also, a reader, Ruth Maloy-Carter submitted her heart-warming story, “Great to be Ginger”, Animal Bond section! Edward Moats continues his avian nutrition articles, with more great tips, in Feathered Also, we are revisiting Integrative Healing for Pets with Dr. Doug, in our Pet Holistic section.
FROM
MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF Carla Mader, Publisher Buzzy Photography, Photography Fran Sherman, Creative Director Barbara Negron, Graphic Designer April Minech, Assistant Editor Bernadette Kazmarski, Kitty Korner Editor ADVERTISING SALES Robin Reinfeld, Director of Sales 412.780.2254 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center Kristin Hermann April Dr.BernadetteMinechKazmarskiBeckyMorrow,DVM
Introducing our new sister publications coming out in March, Integrative Healing magazine for people (and, of course, a pet section!)
Our rescue section features Nate’s reptile Rescue. PVSEC/BluePearl’s article about winter safety for pets. Our Korner has Homeless Cat Management Team has spay and neuter info, by Bernadette Kazmarski. Equine Hermann writes about Learning from Source.
Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine
PittsburghPublisherCarlaWarmly,Mader|
DogtoberFEST is a One-Day Adoptathon to raise awareness about adoption and the many types of rescues and shelters in Western PA. Now in its 12th year, DogtoberFEST is the biggest adoption awareness event in Pittsburgh and has an expectation of 2,000-2,500 dog-loving attendees and over 100 shelters, rescues and vendors in attendance. The event is brought to you by The Waterfront and Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine and EACH RESCUE ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATING RECEIVES A DONATION! *Donation amount based on proceeds* What: DogtoberFEST is a OneDay Adoptathon to raise awareness about adoption and the many types of rescues and shelters in Western PA. This outdoor festival will feature adoptable dogs from shelters and breed-specific rescues (and some cats too!), Specialty Vendors, Ask-A-Trainer and Ask-A-Vet Booths, training demos by Daisy’s Dog Training, and grooming demos by Woody’s Dog Wash! Don’t miss the Bake Sale and Snack Food Concession stand! Sponsors include Nemacolin Woofland Pet Resorts, Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care, Bowser Subaru, Asgard’s Raw Pet Food, Howard Hanna, Lucky Paws Pet Resort, Certified Carpet, and more to come!
Magazine’s! Winter
OUR SAP PARTNER: We are working with our licensing partner dvm360TM magazine to pair great content! The partnership will mean online national and global exposure for PetConnections magazine!
| rrcd@aol.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center Kristin BernadetteAprilHermannMinechKazmarskiEdwardR.Moats Cover EricaPhotoStewartHaydenPhoto:andHarperBy:Stewart From The Publisher
Published by: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. Pittsburgh PetConnections LLC. was formed in 2012. Our mission is to publish a high quality, informative publication focused on the Human-Animal Bond. We support local businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses for pets and people, to give back to our great Pittsburgh communities. Robin Reinfeld, Director of Pittsburgh 412-780-2254
PETCONNECTION QUARTERLY Published by
PetCon Expos Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.pet Follow PghPetMag on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine
We are also excited to be producing DogtoberFEST 2022 this fall to support our local animal shelter and rescue groups! Please join us on Saturday, October 1st at The Waterfront for 11am-4pm, with a rain date of Sunday, October 2nd. We are pleased to announce that our annual Grand Marshalls for DogtoberFEST are Charlie and Latasha Batch! Please see our feature article about all the amazing work that they do for people and pets, inside.
NEWS & EVENTS: PetConnections is celebrating our 11th year anniversary this edition! We would like to thank our contributors, sponsors, and readers for growing our publication over the years, so that we have been able to make PetConnections the number one resource of news, events and information available free to the public. We are proud to be Pittsburgh’s exclusive publication for everything pets!
PITTSBURGH All Life Media, LLC. Pittsburgh PetConnections was created in 2012. Our mission is to publish a high quality, informative publication focused on the Human-Animal Bond. We support local businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses for pets and people, give back to our great Pittsburgh communities.
Volume 7 Issue 1 CORRESPONDENCE
PetConnections is published quarterly as follows: Early February, May, August, and November. Our distribution sites will be replenished every 6 weeks. Our online presence has always been much greater print with now over 350,000 impressions this year. To subscribe to your own personal copy of PetConnections, please contact us below.
PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS QUARTERLY
Sales,
Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections.
Welcome to our FALL Edition Volume 10 Issue 1 – 11th Year Anniversary edition!
We will be publishing pictures of your pet from winners of our new weekly social media photo contests! Also new, our membership sign-up button on our Facebook page, where you can receive news about events and contests, special discounts from our advertisers, discount event tickets, join our PetConnections Birthday Club for Pets, submit your story to be published in our Human-Animal Bond section or Remembrance, and more!
Welcome to Pittsburgh PetConnections 2019,
CORRESPONDENCE www.petconnections.petAll724.292.7387pghpetconnections@gmail.comRightsReserved|©2022
info@pghpetconnections.com724-292-7387AllRightsReserved|©2019
This Issue
Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections. Be well and we wish you a safe and happy fall season with your family and pets!
Please submit any correspondence to: pghpetconnections@gmail.com Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.pet Follow and “Like” us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine THE
to
THIS ISSUE: Our Pet Rescue & Shelter section is ever growing. We feature South Hills Pet Rescue. Pet Memorial Sunday is highlighted, as well. Our cover feature is Charlie and Latasha Batch and their fur babies! Our local spotlight is on Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care, and the much-needed service they are providing Pittsburgh pet parents. Our regular contributors have amazing articles this issue, so be sure to read them all!
Events Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation’s Healing Hearts Pet Loss Grief Seminar, Animal Friends’ and CARMAA’s highlighted in our event section.
PublisherCarlaWarmly,Mader
PUBLISHER AnitaCoverphotoby:BuzzyPhotographyCharlie&LatashaBatch
We are also pleased to announce some fun new things that we have in the works for PetConnections!
PetConnections is published quarterly as follows: March, June, September, and special Holiday issue in early December! Our print copy distribution sites will be replenished every 6 weeks. Our online presence has always been much greater than in print with now over 400,000 impressions! To subscribe to your own personal copy of PetConnections, please contact us below.
News Welcome to our Winter 2019 issue!
We welcome Ease Animal Massage, Buzzy Photography, and O2 Derm Pet Topical Gel to our supporting advertisers!
MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF Carla Mader, Managing Editor Kara Jones Photography, Photography Kelli Koladish, Graphic Designer Edward R. Moats, Content Editor Carla Mader, Sales & Distribution Manager Edward R. Moats, Media Account Manager ADVERTISING SALES
Our Pooch Pride Parade Costume Contest starts at 11 a.m. with over $600 in prizes available for Most Original, Dog-Owner Lookalike and Best Overall Costumes ($10 entry fee). Adoptable dogs from our area will be available and ready to meet their potential new families! Dogs from the public are welcome to come and meet the adoptable dogs or simply have a day out at The Waterfront. All public dogs must be current on vaccinations and be people and dog friendly (no retractable leashes, please!). Admission is free for the public. See you at DogtoberFest in 2022!
“dvm360 TM is the veterinary profession’s No. 1 print resource for news, product resources, tools, and practice solutions. dvm360TM captures the voice of the profession and delivers relevant, realworld coverage while meeting the everyday clinical needs of small animal and equine veterinarians.”
Did you know? PetConnections has evolved into a full-service specialized pet media company, providing services for advertising in print and digital marketing platforms to help our sponsors grow their businesses. Contact us below for information on advertising or sponsoring!
Charlie and Latasha Batch and The Best of the Batch Foundation
FEATURECOVER
ByCarlaMader
The Best of the Batch Foundation serves 4,000 children in 9 Pennsylvania counties, with 12 programs for children aged K-12. Some of the after-school programs include mentoring, tutoring, dance, street cricket, and also scholarships programs.
Charlie Batch, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, is currently a color analyst and radio personality for The Steelers, CBC Pittsburgh, and WDVE Radio. Charlie, and his wife, Latasha founded the Best of the Batch Foundation in 1999. Latasha currently serves as the Executive Director of Best of the Batch Foundation.
The Foundation’s STEAM program allows children the opportunity to engage in creative thinking in ways that utilize their strengths- whether that be through coding, 3D printing, robotics, or music production. Girl Talk engages both middle school and high school girls in a mentoring program where young girls receive accurate information and advice to navigate the challenges of growing up. Homework help and individualized tutoring are offered to every child who attends, which has resulted in an increase in school attendance and homework submission in participants. Grub Time is an out-of-school time meal program, where all children receive a hot meal including a protein, vegetable, fruit, starch, and a healthy snack every day. Functioning as the only completely free clubhouse within a two-bus transfer of the community, the out of school time programming Best of the Batch offers reflects the wants and needs of the surrounding community. The Foundation also provides outreach services through multiple programs, including their backto-school readiness program BatchPacks, holiday toy drive Batch A Toys, emergency response programming like the Comfort in a Basket initiative, and EITC, OSTC, Pre-K, and college scholarships. You can learn more about The Best of the Batch Foundation and ways you can help at Together,www.batchfoundation.org.theBatcheshaveavery good understanding of the Human-Animal Bond. The Batches are also very involved in animal welfare, and beside having adopted all of their past and present pets, and Charlie has served on the board of the Western PA Humane Society in the past.
DogtoberFEST is the largest pet adoption awareness event in Pittsburgh and now in its 12th year running.
Charlie and Latasha were the Grand Marshalls of the Panera Pup Walk event at The Waterfront for 12 years. They are now the Grand Marshalls of PetConnection’s DogtoberFEST annual event at The Waterfront on October 1, 2022.
Together, The Batches currently have 4, four-legged fur babies: Indya, Cairo, Pluto, and Snickers. Indya is a Rottweiler, and he was adopted by the Batch’s at 6 years old, after being rescued found in a box. Cairo is a Beauceron and was rescued by a breeder after retiring as a show dog because of a bad staph infection in his neck, in which The Batch’s nursed him back to health.
Snickers, a male Sheba Inu who was also adopted, is 7 years old. Pluto, a BernaDoodle rescued and 4 months old, is the Batches adorable newest member of the Latashafamily!says that she and Charlie really value pets and ”feels that it is very therapeutic to have dogs, as they give you a sense of love and affection and people need one to love,” and further states that, “I wish everyone would take the time to appreciate fur babies, and take them to adopt!” We are very pleased to feature Charlie, Latasha and their fur babies on our cover and at our DogtoberFEST event this fall! The Batches have donned our cover twice before over the years!
2 Pittsburgh PetConnections | Fall 2022
3petconnections.pet 2 COVER FEATURE CONTENTSOFTABLECharlie and Latasha Batch www.petconnections.pet 11 Grooming Day CareBoardingTraining A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS • East End • South Hills • Strip District • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Upper St. Clair NEW PRESENT THIS AD FOR A FREE DAY OF DAYCARE* *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. www.TheDogStop.com 11 Grooming Day CareBoardingTraining A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS • East End • South Hills • Strip District • • Monroeville Wexford • Upper St. Clair NEW PRESENT THIS AD FOR A FREE DAY OF DAYCARE* *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. www.TheDogStop.com Fun • End Upper PRESENT DAY DAYCARE* *Offer at Limit Retail -Inclusive, HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND Service and Therapy Dog Training: Different Paths but Both Rewarding LOCAL SPOTLIGHT Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care (RVUC) RESCUE & SHELTER Animal Friends: Black Tie & Tails RESCUE & SHELTER Beaver County Humane Society Offers Senior 2 Senior Program! RESCUE & SHELTER South Hills Pet Rescue & Resort RESCUE & SHELTER Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh Looking For Your Perfect Companion? PET HEALTH & WELLNESS Why Does My Pet Need a Cone? HOLISTIC PET CARE You, Your Pet, and the “Love HelpREMEMBRANCEHormone”EasetheGrief of Pet Loss on Pet Memorial Sunday RESCUE & SHELTER The Five Freedoms and the Welfare of ProtectKITTYPetsKORNERYourCat, Yourself and Other Animals With Just One Vaccine World Rabies Day is September 28 EQUINE AFFAIRS First Dressage Lesson, with Kristin Hermann Part I 6 EVENTS 14 ADVERTISERLOCATOR 23 CAT GUIDERESOURCE 24 DIRECTORIES 28 REMEMBRANCEInLovingMemoryofPookie 29 REMEMBRANCETheGardenofFaithfulFriendsatJeffersonMemorial 201084511121618192226
THERAPY DOG MOLLY
Molly was adopted from the Humane Society when her mom was just looking for a pup to snuggle. Now she’s an 8-year-old black lab – black lab with hair the length and texture of a golden retriever –and while she was the best girl ever to her mom, she also grew up to be a Althoughsuperstar.Mollywas a little shy at first, she opened right up when she was introduced to some special needs kids. Caroline TrautmanMiller, Molly’s owner, decided to pursue that connection and started therapy dog training. Molly achieved the highest level in the AKC Therapy Dog program with over 500 visits.
The dogs are provided, free of charge, to qualified individuals who have been approved by the Center’s Admissions Committee.
Gallant hearts puppies in Missouri pairs dogs to people who qualify to be puppy raisers. For those interested in learning more, you can find more information here: Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center, 131 Red Fox Lane, Madison, MS 39110, (601) 853-6996 or email: rfloyd@
“Now people know her name better than mine,” Caroline says. “I’m just the woman that brings her.”
everyone was allowed to talk to Molly. The kidsranging in age from Pre-K to 5th grade - received a visit around once a month and usually read with Molly. Caroline estimate Molly has touched more than a thousand kids over the past seven years.
AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD) Must have completed 400 visits.
Caroline first became interested in training working dogs when she volunteered to raise a puppy as a service dog for the blind. Her friend was in the program, and once she learned more about it decided it would be a good fit for her. She was matched with a Doberman named Briggs (short for Brigadier General) and dedicated herself to training for Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center and helping “To give a person who is blind one of the most cherished gifts they will ever receive” she said, quoting the tagline for the organization. Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center places well trained, healthy dogs throughout the United States, and, occasionally, in Canada. The dogs are provided to people whose primary disability is blindness (and who have no more than 20/800 visual acuity in the best eye with best correction or no more than 20 degrees field of vision).
Therapy dogs are dogs who go with their owners to volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. From working with a child who is learning to read to visiting a senior in assisted living, therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of other people.
As for training dogs to go out and help in the world, Caroline has this to say: “It’s the most rewarding thing you can do”.
What you’ll need to do for a puppy: housebreak it, socialize it by taking it to as many places as possible, teach it good house manners, and obedience train it. Gallant Hearts staff will help you resolve any training or behavioral problems you might have with the puppy. In a nutshell, you provide guidance for a puppy until it is old enough and mature enough to guide a person who is blind.
Therapy dogs are not service dogs. Service dogs are dogs who are specially trained to perform specific tasks to help a person who has a disability. Service dogs stay with their person and have special access privileges in public places such as on planes, restaurants, etc. Therapy dogs, such as ones who work toward earning therapy titles and completion certificates, do not have the same special access as service dogs.
•••• •
Service and Therapy Dog Training: Different Paths but Both Rewarding
Must have completed 10 visits. AKC Therapy Dog (THD) Must have completed 50 visits.
The puppy goes along whenever you travel or run errands, and gains exposure to everything you would encounter moving through the world. In most places, you can take your puppy with you as long as it is house broken, well behaved and has on its “Guide Dog in Training” vest. Many stores allow non-service well behaved dogs in already, such as Home Depot. In other cases, you might need to get permission from store managers to bring your puppy into non-dog places of business for training.
THERAPY DOG TITLES ACHIEVED THROUGH VISITS:
AKC Therapy Dog Novice (THDN)
SERVICE DOG BRIGGS
As a volunteer, Caroline kept her puppy for 16 months (the average range being 12 to 18 months) with Gallant Hearts paying all expenses–food, veterinary care, heartworm preventative, flea and tick control, and an obedience course for puppy and puppy raiser.
Caroline brought Molly to several classrooms with children who were shy or non-verbal or unable to focus, and the kids would respond to her calming energy. Caroline recants a story: “One time this little boy who was a complete introvert sat next to Molly and read an entire book. I teared up seeing the progress he made in just one Aftervisit.”sessions
If your dog meets the criteria and you would like to apply for an AKC Therapy Dog title, you can contact the AKC at www.AKC.org
AKC Therapy Dog Advanced (THDA) Must have completed 100 visits. AKC Therapy Dog Excellent (THDX) Must have completed 200 visits.
4 Pittsburgh PetConnections | Fall 2022
BONDHUMAN-ANIMAL
Carolinegallanthearts.orghasparticipated in both therapy and service dog training, and currently lives with Molly, her companion and celebrated therapy dog. Briggs graduated his training and moved on to become a working service dog.
ByAprilMinech
CALL TODAY IF YOUR PET NEEDS TO BE SEEN: 412-998-9030 | 560 MCNEILLY RD • PITTSBURGH PA 15226
Have you noticed how difficult it is to get an appointment with your veterinarian? Have you been one of that many that has waited more than 10 hours for your sick pet to be evaluated at the emergency hospital? You are not the only one. Veterinary medicine nationwide is reaching a critical point; there are not enough veterinarians to care for all the ill and injured pets. Imagine your dog has been hit by a car, and no veterinary practice will take you. Imagine if your cat has not eaten for a week and the next available appointment is more than 1 month away. These are scenerios we have been seeing constantly, and that is where Rivers Vet comes in.
Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care (RVUC) was established in 2021 to help fill the gap in the Pittsburgh area in veterinary medicine. With the CoVID-19 pandemic, veterinarians were faced with an overwhelming insufficiency in emergency care and preventative care facilities. RVUC provides the walk-in model of scheduling with immediate access to exceptional care. We provide appointments on Wednesdays for pets that have mild ailments, vaccinations or if you are looking to establish a relationship with a local, caring veterinarian. Our goal is to have a facility with not only scheduled appointment availability but also same day appointment access which makes getting your pet seen convenient and accessible. On certain days, we will even see exotic pets. We are a female-owned and operated establishment, with the goal to further support our local community and other small businesses. Dr. Robin Dutra has 23 years experience in urgent care, emergencies and surgery. As a seasoned ER veterinarian, she has seen the field change, and knows what it takes to continue to provide the care that clients desperately need. Dr. Kristen Thornton has 9 years of veterinary experience ranging from urgent care to wellness care and holistic medicine. Our well-trained staff has been chosen selectively to emphasize the experience needed for high quality care and to embody the core values we want to portray. We are taking both new clients and patients and welcome any appointment type. We do not ever want you to feel like you cannot get your pet medical help when the need arises. Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care is where wellness and urgent care meet. Visit our website www.riversvet.com for more information. Be sure to follow us on social media (@riversvetuc) for educational videos, new and cute puppy/kitty appointments and even behind the scenes photos. We look forward to meeting you and becoming a part of your furry family.
Dr. Robin Dutra and Dr. Kristen Thornton
Local Spotlight: RIVERS VETERINARY URGENT CARE (RVUC)
Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care, where wellness and urgent care meet.
HOURS Monday: Walk-ins 9am-6pm Tuesday: Walk-ins 9am-6pm Wednesday: Appointments only | 9am-6pm Thursday: Walk-ins 9am-6pm Friday: Sunday:Saturday:9am-6pm9am-6pmClosed
We provide high quality emergency medicine, surgery, and preventative care for pets in the Pittsburgh area and surrounding communities. We are proud to offer walk-in hours Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri, and Sat 9am-6pm; you do not need to make an appointment. Appointments only on Wednesday s 9am-6pm Our goal is to provide affordable emergency services along with convenient wellness and preventative care. In addition, we are one of the few veterinary practices that offer alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, to help your pet have a comprehensive medical treatment plan. Our goal is to treat your pet the way we would treat our own.
We are taking both new clients and patients and welcome any appointment type. Our veterinarians have extensive experience in emergency medicine, critical care, surgery, preventative care, geriatric care and alternative medicine. Our well-trained staff has been chosen selectively to emphasize the experience needed for high quality care and to embody the core values we want to portray.
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6 Pittsburgh PetConnections | Fall 2022 EVENTS SEPTEMBER 24TH Animal Friends Black Tie & Tails www.thinkingoutsidethe cage.org DogtoberFEST 2022 OCTOBER 1ST @The www.petconnection.petWaterfrontOCTOBER15THSouthHillsPetRescueandResortBackdraftBarBingowww.facebook.com/SHPR88
7petconnections.pet 412.508.2285 reboundpetrehabilitation com lynne@reboundpetrehabilitation com LYNNE MARSHALL Certified Canine Rehab Therapist Physical BowenworkTherapistPractitioner Modalities & Manual Therapies Exercise Prescription Client Education Underwater & Land Treadmill Assistance with Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Mobility Carts TIME TO REBOUND! 3520 Marion Ave, Suite 100 Finleyville, PA 15332 TREATMENT For Injured, Post-Surgical, Geriatric, Neurological, and DogsOverweight&Cats CONDITIONING For Working & Sport Dogs GROOMINGDAYCAREBOARDINGTRAININGRETAIL A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f PITTSBURGH DOGS! 8 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Carnegie • East End • Monroeville • Sewickley South Hills • Strip District • Wexford • Upper St. Clair Allison Park and Cranberry locations coming soon! PRESENT THIS AD FOR A FREE DAY OF DAYCARE* *O er only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Expires 12/31/22. www.TheDogStop.com
1972 2022
“Rescue Me” Challenge
Presented by
Right now, your gift to Animal Friends will have an even greater impact during our “Rescue Me” Challenge. Thanks to the generosity of local business leader and animal advocate Bob Fragasso, each donation will be matched – 50 cents on the dollar up to $100,000 – to provide intervention, safe haven and a voice for animals who are desperately in need of rescue and a second chance. Please give generously at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
Voted Best Gala in the ‘Burgh for three consecutive years, Black Tie & Tails is Pittsburgh’s most unique, playful and lifesaving event! Prepare to be dazzled as Animal Friends’ beautiful 75-acre campus is transformed into a stunning display highlighted by the animals whose lives have been saved thanks to your generosity. Experience an unforgettable evening that includes an array of decadent food, creative drinks and cocktails, lively entertainment, thrilling auctions and so much more. Of course, there will be plenty of time to mingle with the real party animals – the dog, cat and rabbit residents at Animal Friends! Learn more and purchase your tickets at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/BTT Saturday,Sept.24 Voted Best Gala in the ‘Burgh
Senior 2 Senior Adoption Program
Make BCHS Your First Adoption Option
3394 Brodhead Road
ABOUT BEAVER COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
The Senior 2 Senior program offers a free adoption of a dog or cat seven years of age or older*, initial vet and dental care, a “senior welcome kit” which includes a collar, leash, toys, bowls, and a starter supply of food, and a phone number that the new adopter can call if he/she is having challenges getting the new pet settled into the home.
We help thousands of animals get off the streets and into loving homes every year. We save animals from hoarding and other cruelty-related situations. We provide animals with life-saving medical care.
Founded in 1950, the mission of the Beaver County Humane Society is to protect and enhance the lives of all domestic animals and to promote kindness and respect for all living creatures. Our vision is a community that supports a humane, sustainable, and compassionate environment for all animals. For more information about our programs and services, visit https://beavercountyhumanesociety.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube.
Low Cost Feline Spay/Neuter Clinics Volunteer Program And much more!
Since 1950, BCHS provides: Adoption Services
If you are interested in participating in the Senior 2 Senior program, call 724-775-5801 and press 3 or
Some adoptions may require a home visit by a BCHS staff member prior to adoption approval to ensure that the adoption will be successful for both the animal and the person wishing to adopt.
Interested in becoming a BCHS Corporate Partner?
The Beaver County Humane Society’s (BCHS) Senior 2 Senior program is designed to match rescued senior animals with people over the age of 65. In today’s world, we know that there are many older adults who live very active, healthy lives and do not need any assistance with adopting a pet, accessing veterinary care, or affording all the things that go along with having a pet. However, we have also identified that some older adults may not be able to drive, may not have access to a computer, and may be on a limited income, all of which create barriers to pet ownership and/or care. It is that last group of people for whom this program was designed.
time*BCHSstillweWeadoption-program/.https://beavercountyhumanesociety.org/senior-2-senior-visitplantoaddotherservicestotheprogramwithtimeandasworkwithournewsenioradopterstoidentifyneedsthatmaybeunmet.Staytuned!cannotguaranteeavailabilityofasenioranimalatthetheadoptionapplicationissubmitted.
No matter what our age, a pet’s unconditional love brings great joy. As we age, we may have fewer opportunities to gather with friends and family. Thus, a pet’s companionship can increase the quality of our life because animals provide friendship and create opportunities for social interaction. Research shows that owning a pet reduces depression, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and helps people deal with loss/grief. The routine of caring for a pet gives structure and purpose to daily life and incorporates regular exercise into the day. Older animals are often a perfect fit for an older adult, as they are gentler, calmer, are usually house-trained, and understand basic commands.
Cruelty Investigations Education Programs Pet Food Pantry Thrift Store (Located in Beaver Falls) Trap Neuter Release (TNR) Services Low Cost Vaccine & Microchip Clinics
We have sponsorship levels that fit most budgets. Email communications@beavercountyhumanesociety.org.
SHELTER&RESCUE
Beaver County Humane Society Offers Senior 2 Senior Program!
Aliquippa (Center Township), PA https://beavercountyhumanesociety.org15001
11petconnections.pet
The shelter and resort, located in a shared building, are maintained by a few people making a big difference. They are canine only at this point, accepting dogs from many sources and managing the kennel/resort with a total staff of three (volunteers are limited by insurance due to the behavior care that some of the dogs need.) The building has fenced in play yards to provide daily exercise and fresh air. Most of the resort guests are previous residents who have been adopted out, as the rescue provides continual care for families that have adopted from them in the past. Kim McClearm, president of the rescue, talked about some specifics of what they do.
Dogs are admitted based on priority needs and available space. “We take all breeds with all need’s” Kim explains. The admission process can be challenging: dogs coming in from animal control may have behavioral challenges that need worked on, while owner surrenders might be bonded and need to be housed and adopted together. Some dogs are fearful or too shy at first to respond and need months or even years of care. And there’s only so much room to offer. One of the dogs there doesn’t like people, so finding a home was impossible. “He came in shut down from a rescue in New Jersey that was going to put him to sleep.” Refusing to give up, Kim provided a home and care for him to live there for rest of his life. “He’s very territorial in the home and prefers to be a loner, so there are very limited options for him.”
One of the tear-jerking examples of the work they do is the story of Hobo, found on the side of the road near Bentleyville close to death.
When a dog needs special attention for training, the previous owner of the resort, Nick Ferraro, will come in and evaluate the dog. Nick ran South Hills Pet Resort as a boarding and training facility, which he purchased in 2012. Ashley Rittle was having a hard time with her dog and called Nick to request his training services. Little did they know the adventure ahead; they were married in June 2013, and that August, they were asked to help a local animal rescue that had been overwhelmed with dogs pulled from high-kill shelters set to be euthanized for behavioral issues. They agreed to take 13 dogs, but 62 dogs were dropped off at their door filling all of the Resort’s boarding kennels. Nick and Ashley cared for all 62 of these dogs in need, rehabilitating them before finding each dog a forever home. Nick retired two years ago from training & boarding, and sold the business and building the rescue.
The dog was likely starved and kept in a crate until someone dumped him on the side of the road. “He was immediately taken to the vet for emergency care; you could see every bone in his body” says Kim. “Even his head was sunken in.” Hobo needed fed little tiny meals every two hours for several months for his body to recover. “Victims of starvation need to slowly build up their food intake or their organs can shut down,” says Kim, “so that’s what we did.” When he received his vaccination, he contracted parvo from the shot, likely because he had never been vaccinated as a puppy.
All the work paid off though, and he’s now living his best life in a home with another dog. You can help support their efforts by donating items or cash for vet bills. There’s a bin located on the on the driveway of shelter grounds that physical donations can be placed in from 9am-6pm everyday. For example, the shelter goes through a 50lb bag of Purina One chicken & rice per day (studies have shown that when shelter residents are kept on a consistent diet, they have less stomach troubles which also reduces stress) at an average cost of around $70. Any of the dogfood that is donated makes a difference for them. They also need basic care items such as towels, bleach and the like. You can find their wish list on their website at https://www.southhillspetrescue.org/, or have items shipped directly to them.
If you’re interested in adopting, email to schedule an appointment to meet available dogs and fill out an adoption application. If you have other pets at home, we will schedule a meet-and-greet with our canine behavioral consultant and your furry friend/s. All SHPR dogs are microchipped, spayed/neutered and up-to-date on ageappropriate vaccinations.
South Hills Pet Rescue is a 501(c)3 organization. Tax ID: 46-5444195
There’s also a donate button on the site if you prefer, for things like vet services. The organization is too small to have their own vet, so they rely on donations to provide medical care. The rescue uses several locations for care, including Affordable Vet in Finleyville which takes care of their regular needs and Munhall Vet, who performs their spay and neuter surgeries.
Mail: P.O. Box 224, Monaca, PA 15061 Rescue: 15 Old 88, South Park, PA 15129 724-622-0434 shpr88@yahoo.com
Just the other day, Animal Control called the rescue to take in 2 dogs that had been in a home where the owner passed away and wasn’t discovered until 3 days later. The dogs - collie mixes – were a bonded pair of littermates that had spent their lives together and would struggle if separated. When dogs are young, they can move on if separated and adjust better than senior dogs like these.
South Hills Pet Rescue & Resort
Not Ready for a Pet? Here's How You Can Help
Perhaps the best way to provide for animals in need is by joining HARP 365, a recurring donor membership that provides monthly support to HARP programs and the animals they care for.
East Side 6926 Hamilton Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15208 North Side 1101 Western Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Get started
How to Adopt Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh’s adoption team works to match people with an adoptable animal. To assist with making a match, an adoption counselor will learn more about the adopter and share information about the animals. Our adoptions are first come, first serve and we are unable to place a hold on specific animals. Don’t fret, we always have new animals coming in that could be your purr-fect match! Visit humaneanimalrescue.org/adopt to learn more about our adoptable animals.
If you're looking to help homeless pets in need, but aren't ready to add another member to your household, there are lots of ways for you to help animals in our care. If you're able, fostering a pet can change a life, and prepare a shelter animal for a successful forever adoption. By donating items from our wish list, you can provide essential supplies directly to shelter animals who need them. Monetary donations support the daily care and rehabilitation of animals in need.
www.HumaneAnimalRescue.orgatLookingForYourPer fect Companion?
Adopt a pet and experience unconditional love and lifetime friendship. At Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) you’ll find pets of all types and personalities awaiting adoption!
When Kris’s family wanted to add another furry friend to the house, it was a big task -- their two giant Rottweilers were so closely bonded, they wouldn’t accept a third dog. The solution? Get two! Leila Rose and Dexter are a mother-and-son pair of extra large mastiffs who came to HARP’s East Side shelter together. Finding a home for one 150 lb dog can be a challenge, not to mention two. HARP was prepared to care for this pair for a long time, but that’s when Kris arrived! Kris’s two Rottweilers and two mastiffs are a whole lot of a dog, and a whole lot of love! These four gentle giants are living happily ever after.
Wild Side 6000 Verona Road Verona, PA 15147
Big Dogs Mean Big Love
Adopt -A- Bull!
LOCATORADVERTISER Washington P M N Q F N H A A J V D 14 Pittsburgh PetConnections | Fall 2022 All Life Veterinary Clinics 21 Animal Friends 8, M Asgard Raw Pet Food ......................................................... 14 Bartman Plumbing 17 Beaver County Humane Society 10 Black Cat Art 21 BluePearl Pittsburgh Animal Blood Bank 16 Buzzy Photography ............................................................... 7 Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation ........................... 28, F Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center ........................................................... 15, Q Coventry Stables 27 Denise Marasco Howard Hanna 14 Dogtober Fest 6 Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa 15, H Gentle Journey Veterinary Hospice.............................15 Hounds Town USA ............................. inside front cover Humane Animal Rescue 12 Jefferson Memorial 29, J Keeta Mobile Pet Spa 15 Larry’s Laundromutt 15, P Lucky Paws Pet Resort......................................................... 3 Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center 16, back cover Portraits of Animals.............................................................17 Rebound Pet Rehabilitation 7 Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care 5 The Dog Stop 7 UBS 3 Wholestic Equine ................................................................ 27 Woody’s 17 Pleaseseelistedpagesforcompleteaddresses.
15petconnections.pet Offering: • in store & mobile grooming • full & self service washing • healthy pet foods and supplies Larry’s Laundromutt 201 Ohio River Blvd. Sewickley, PA www.larryslaundromutt.com412-534-405215143 Keeta Mobile Pet Spa • 412-545-3328 www.keetapetspa.com grooming@keetapetspa.com
16 Pittsburgh PetConnections | Fall 2022 Imagine getting a cut on your finger that requires stitches. At first it hurts, but then within a few days it gets itchy… very, very itchy. To help relive the itchy, you start to scratch the area. You feel better so you stop scratching, but the itch returns with a vengeance, so you start scratching and scratching and soon it starts to bleed. You stick your bleeding finger in your mouth and get the bleeding to stop. However, a little later you notice your finger looks puffy and hurts and soon there is pus coming from the incision. A recheck with your doctor confirms your incision is infected.
WELLNESS&HEALTHPET
Unfortunately, this is a scenery that many veterinary hospitals see on a daily basis, pets licking or scratching their surgical incisions and wounds which can lead to infection. Stitches, bandages, incisions can become itchy as the fur around these sites grow causing the pet to want to scratch, lick, or chew at the area. Although many pets and their owners view the cone as a nuisance, the Elizabethan collar or E-collar for short, is one of the great tools of the veterinary field. When fitted properly, E-collars are designed to prevent pets from licking themselves as well as incision or wounds on their body. E-collars are also a useful tool for preventing pets like dogs and cats from scratching at ears and eyes. There are many reinventions of the E-collar along with some alternatives to cone, however the purpose is the same, to prevent infection. Depending on the area of concern, it is important to check with your veterinarian when using an alternate method of the e-collar to make sure it is appropriate to your pet’s needs.
For many of the surgical procedures, e-collars are instructed to be worn for at least 10-14 days or until rechecked by the doctor. However, in other cases, pets may need to wear the e-collar for weeks to months until a wound is healed, or the bandage is removed. In many instances e-collars can be removed for short periods of time when someone is able to keep a close eye on the pet. It is important to stay vigil while the cone is off. Pets can do a lot of damage to their wounds in a short amount of time. If in doubt whether your pet will lick at their incision while the e-collar is off, play it safe and keep the cone on. Even the most diligent pet parent may encounter the many tactics pets use to avoid wearing the e-collar. Determined pets have removed or have broken their e-collar making the cone unusable. If this happens, call your veterinary hospital for a replacement ASAP and alert your veterinary if your pet is not tolerating the e-collar. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend alternative solutions. Remember the e-collar is not forever, but it is your pet’s best friend on the road to recovery!
Why Does My Pet Need a Cone?
ByPittsburghVeterinarySpecialtyandEmergencyCenter
17petconnections.pet Custom Pet M emor ial votive Using your photos I create a lasting gift for yourself or a loved one. Bernadette E. Kazmarski, artist www.PortraitsOfAnimals.net ATTENTION: HOMEOWNERS Do You Suffer from Dry, Irritated Skin? Is your Hair dull, brittle and unmanageable? Hate the way your Water Smells & Tastes? Can’t stand wasting money on Bottled Water? The new Krystal Klear Water System can turn your home into your own personal oasis! “Your hair and skin will feel like you just got out of a spa!” NO SALT - NO CHEMICALS - NO MAINTENANCE Call NOW for free details with NO obligation! Bartman Plumbing (724) 258-9125
Animal caregivers sure do love their four-legged companions. Most of us consider our pets to be members of the family. We play together, eat together, and live our lives together. It is comforting to come home after a rough day to a wagging tail or a gentle purr. Our pets somehow seem to know just what to do to comfort us. But our beloved animals do not just help us emotionally.
Hormones regulate metabolism, mood, and emotions. Our hormone of special interest, oxytocin, is released by the pituitary gland and has many effects on the individual. First and foremost, oxytocin is a key player in reproduction, which earned it the moniker “the love hormone.” Its release is in part responsible for the pleasurable feeling that sex gives. Oxytocin is also responsible for the uterine contractions during the birthing process as well as milk let down for the newborn.
18 Pittsburgh PetConnections | Fall 2022
Oxytocin enhances social bonding. That includes marital partnering, parent-child bonding, and even friendship with others. These others with whom we bond of course include other people, but research shows oxytocin also augments our relationships with animals. Yes, the “love hormone” is a major player in the humananimal bond.
CAREPETHOLISTIC
Numerous studies in the past three decades show that pets help us physically as well. People who live with cats have a 30 percent reduced risk of suffering a heart attack. Heart attack patients with pets live longer than those without animals. Petting a dog boosts a person’s immune system. Nursing homes that allow pets in the living quarters have reported lower death rates and a drop in the need for medications. Pet owners in general have fewer doctors’ visits and they live longer than those who do not have pets
My research into this mystery has brought me to the hormone called oxytocin. But before we get to the fun facts, we need a little understanding of the basics.
In one study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Japanese researchers sprayed either saline or oxytocin into the noses of dogs. They were then released to their owners who were told to ignore their pets. The study showed that the dogs that were treated with the oxytocin found their owners to be irresistible and were far more likely to stare, sniff, lick and paw at their people than those that got the saline.
I have been intrigued by the power of the human-animal bond. Just how do these special creatures affect us so profoundly?
It is interesting to note that interacting with pets changes our body chemistry in other helpful ways too. Researchers in South Africa found that when people petted and spoke with their dogs, the interaction doubled the people’s level of oxytocin plus boosted their endorphins and dopamine, both neurochemicals that make us feels good. All of these messenger molecules are responsible for our feelings of wellbeing. Another study, this one out of the University of Missouri, found that stroking a dog increases a person’s serotonin level, which is the goal of most antidepressants. It is no wonder that our animal companions can have a profound healing effect on us. It is fascinating to see research that explains the body chemistry associated with the feelings we have toward our pets. It gives a biological explanation of the healing powers of animals. From my perspective this is interesting but only part of the picture. Why is it that petting or gazing at a beloved animal causes the release of oxytocin and other healing molecules? Could it be that love is the driving force? I believe that the mind, body, and soul are intimately intertwined and the love we feel for others and our animal companions flows freely within us and between us.
Dr.DougKnueven,DVM,CVA,CVC,CVCH
A hormone is a bodily messenger molecule that is released by one of the many endocrine glands. It travels through the bloodstream to affect distant organs, glands, or tissues.
We all know that gazing into the eyes of a loved one is part of emotional bonding. Well, a study published in the journal Science showed that gazing behavior from dogs, but not wolves, increased oxytocin in their owners. The people now charged by the oxytocin showed affection toward their dog which increased the animal’s oxytocin. The researchers called this “an interspecies oxytocin-mediated positive loop facilitated and modulated by gazing.” All I can say is, “Let the love and healing flow.”
The psychological effects of oxytocin are incredible. Studies show that this hormone can increase trust and generosity, and decrease stress, anxiety, and fear. But, oxytocin has physical effects as well, which makes sense since the mind and body are part of the same system. Oxytocin has been shown to modulate inflammation and improve wound healing. It can slow the heart beat and breathing, and lower blood pressure.
You, Your Pet, and the “Love Hormone”
understand how to let go of our CCPCgrief.”has been providing comfort and compassionate care to families in the tristate area for over 17 years. Deb knows the importance of a remembrance ceremony to assist human family members to deal with this huge loss. That's one of the reasons she hosts the Pet Memorial Sunday ceremony each “EverySeptember.yearthethank yous for hosting this event come from people who are grateful for this opportunity to gather and be with other families who are hurting from the loss of their pet,” Deb said.
Help Ease the Grief of Pet Loss on Pet Memorial Sunday
As always, anyone who is grieving the loss of an animal companion is invited to RSVP for this ceremony held on Sunday, September 11, 2022. If you would like to participate, go to www. ccpc.ws to RSVP for this free event. A pop-up will provide you a link to an event page. Your RSVP will register you and provide you with information about euthanasia, grief and renewal, and how to submit your 50word tribute and picture.
The thembeloved,embodyDebtheThegrief,”communitybutsomewhat“Wepresentations.programdistance,butfamiliesmanagedourpets.oftherapist,veterinarian,on(CCPC)CustomeventMemorialSundayestablishedCemeteriesAssociationInternationalofPetandCrematoriesthesecondofSeptemberasPetSunday.TheannualhostedbyChartiersPetCremationincludesinformationend-of-lifeissuesfromaongrieffromaandapresentationtributesfordepartedSinceCovidchangedlivesin2020,CCPChasaneventwherearestilltogetherwithahealthysocialandaportionofisofferedasonlinewillbetogether,distanced,visiblypresentasaunitedinourDebsaid.mostupliftingpartofeventisthedoverelease.explained,“Theythespiritofourandaswewatchflyaway,webeginto
Pet Memorial Sunday is a day to gather with others who’ve lost beloved animal companions, to share the space and grieve together for a while. Deb Chebatoris, owner of Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation, has a plan for bringing people together safely no matter how things look in September, to help ease the aching emptiness of a significant part of their life. “It is always so gratifying to offer this Pet Memorial Sunday ceremony to the families I serve,” Deb said.
ByBernadetteKazmarski
Pet Memorial Sunday will be held September 11, 2022 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Melrose Cemetery, 3064 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017. RSVP with photo and tribute by September 4, 2022. If you have questions, please call Deb at 412-220-7800.
REMEMBRANCE
ByDr.BeckyL.Morrow,DVM
What may not always be front and center in our minds is that animals, like us, can suffer mentally. That means that their emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health. The last two Freedoms address the need for animals to express their natural behaviors and to be considerate of what may cause them to be distressed. While some fear and stress are inevitable when an animal enters a shelter and during the everyday lives of all animals (fireworks anyone?), the goal is to do our best to avoid triggering negative emotions and allowing animals some control in coping with stressors. For example, a fearful cat or dog in the shelter will feel much more comfortable if they are afforded a place to hide. Rather than separating them in the shelter, placing two bonded dogs in the same enclosure can go a long way to minimizing stress. Meeting the emotional needs of pets may not always be clear cut but knowing what behavioral signs to monitor while trying to address these needs can be invaluable. A great resource to learn more about these behaviors to reduce FAS (fear, anxiety, and stress) is the “Fear Free Shelter Program” training online. This short course was developed by board certified veterinary behaviorists and is free of charge for anyone working at or volunteering with a shelter or rescue. Being educated in the Five Freedoms and learning how we can best support both the physical and emotional needs of animals can greatly improve their quality of life. It is up to us to speak for them and do our best to provide the well-being that they deserve.
One of the things that has really stuck with me over the years as a shelter veterinarian is the concept of “The Five Freedoms.”
The third Freedom, “freedom from pain, injury, or disease,” refers to providing proper preventative care to help pets avoid getting sick and the prompt treatment of sick or injured animals to prevent unnecessary suffering. I work with a lot of amazing small rescue organizations that, despite having very few resources and a shoe-string budget, do an outstanding job with the third Freedom. Shelters and rescues that follow the guidelines established by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) give vaccinations as soon as dogs and cats enter (or ASAP) to minimize the risk of viral infections. These
The Five Freedoms and the Welfare of Pets
20 Pittsburgh PetConnections | Fall 2022
SHELTER&RESCUE
Initially developed in 1965, The Five Freedoms is a model made in response to public outcry about inhumane conditions that farm animals suffered. The initial Freedoms were “to stand up, lie down, turn around, groom themselves, and stretch their limbs” – extremely basic and minimal welfare standards that we should all agree animals deserve. The Farm Animal Welfare Council, formed a little over a decade later, expanded upon the Freedoms by addressing both the physical and emotional needs that will support the positive welfare of all species of animals. Those Five Freedoms that were developed more than 40 years ago are what we still use (or should use) today.
The first three of the Freedoms focus on physical well-being. It should be obvious that animals need potable water, a proper diet, and an environment that allows them to rest comfortably, but I have seen some very sad examples of shelters not even reaching this very low bar. One shelter kept cats in cages that didn’t even fit a litterbox, let alone a towel for them to lay on. This is the reason that we must spell things out sometimes, so that there are no assumptions being made and even things that seem obvious are addressed. Luckily, that shelter is not representative of the majority, and most pets have the first two Freedoms met.
organizations also have protocols for sanitation, to reduce the spread of disease, and may have treatment protocols based on common conditions that are seen in the shelter setting (made in conjunction with veterinarians). In addition to those, we also have a protocol for administering pain medication and other emergency treatments so that animals do not have to wait if a veterinarian cannot be immediately reached.
21petconnections.pet
Black Cat Art LLC was founded by Becky Frazier who has been creating pet portraits, murals, and fine art paintings in Pittsburgh, PA and beyond. Whether you are looking to add a custom mural to your home or business, have a pet portrait commissioned, or just adding some art to a wall, Becky can help bring your vision to life.
Black Cat Art LLC was founded by Becky Frazier who has been creating pet portraits, murals, and fine art paintings in Pittsburgh, PA and beyond. 10% of her portrait proceeds to the Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care PAWS Fund to help pets with a life-threatening emergency receive the care they need as well as other Non-Profit organizations in the Pittsburgh area.
Becky’s pet portrait artwork is dependent on realistic and photographic like detail. She also strives to be able to capture the personality traits that need to be portrayed for the portraits to fully show the soul and personality of the pet or animal. By using the highest quality pastels and the ease of blending and texture she is able to capture fine details. Besides pet portraits, Becky has started creating abstract and contemporary animal paintings in acrylics and murals for residents and business in and around Pittsburgh.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT HTTPS://RIVERSVET.COM/PAWS-DONATION-FUND WHEN: September 19, 2022; October 4th, October 17th 9am-5pm WHERE : Wood y ’s Dog Wash & Pet Bou tique 5843 Brownsville Road in South Park , PA , 724 281 3446 for your dogs & cats • Low cost outpatient veterinar y care clinics • Curbside ser vice • Walk in appointments • Scheduled appointments *Walk ins welcome, but appointments recommended. Additional Clinics dates to come! • Preventive & wellness care • Pharmac y • Laborator y ser vices • Minor ailments
Find rabies laws in your state or area, and more information on Administrationrabies of Rabies
ByBernadetteKazmarski
under attack for spreading rabies, though a 2019 CDC study of human rabies exposures and deaths doesn't even mention cats of any stripe as a species of concern.5
Vaccination State Laws from the American Veterinary Medical Association includes a linked list of rabies laws throughout the United States.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommended a rabies vaccination protocol in their 2020 Feline Vaccination Guidelines: “Kittens should be first vaccinated at 12 weeks/3 months of age. Regardless of the age at first vaccination, a booster should be administered 1 year later. Booster products should not be used more frequently than the labeled duration of immunity.”
Occasionally you'll hear of at least one cat or kitten in a community found to be rabid. It's very sad that tiny kittens are roaming outdoors, and even more tragic that they die a horrible death to the rabies virus.
1. big-problem-rabieshttps://rabiesalliance.org/about/about-rabies/how2. https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/rabies/index.html
22 Pittsburgh PetConnections | Fall 2022
This is one reason you'll see low-cost rabies clinics offered within communities for cats and dogs by shelters and rescue groups. It's also why a rabies vaccine is part of the protocol in trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs for community cats. Stray cats and community cats are often
Rabies is a contagious viral disease termed zoonotic because it is one of the diseases which can spread from animals to humans with just one bite from an infected animal. Nearly any mammal can contract rabies. The rabies incubation period is typically three to eight weeks after the bite and infected animals can only transmit the virus when clinical symptoms are present. Once symptoms appear the animal or human usually dies within 10 days.
"Every year around 59,000 people die from rabies, over one person every ten minutes. Rabies is 100% preventable and prevention starts with the animal owner."1
RABIES AND YOUR CAT
Protect Your Cat, Yourself and Other Animals With Just One Vaccine World Rabies Day is September 28
Because rabies seems like such a distant threat cat owners often object to the need for a rabies vaccine, or don't take their state's regulations seriously. A strictly indoor cat may not seem to be at a high risk for rabies, but if your cat escaped or if a rabid bat entered the house your cat would be at risk. Adventure cats walking on leashes and hiking the woods are seen all over, and cats also visit groomers, are boarded or who travel, and all should have a current rabies vaccine. If your cat bites a human and you don't have a current rabies certificate your cat will need to be quarantined for a period of time in most states. Talk to your veterinarian to assess your cat's risk factors and determine the best vaccination plan.
ABOUT RABIES
This quote is from materials provided by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control for World Rabies Day observed annually on September 28. And before you think this is a distant problem in third-world countries, there are areas in the US where affordable veterinary care to provide both a rabies vaccine and spay and neuter for population control among pets isn't available and rabies is a danger.2
KORNERKITTY
3. 7.6.5.4.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabies_vaccinehttps://www.cdc.gov/rabies/location/usa/index.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6823e1.htmhttps://catvets.com/guidelines/practice-guidelines/aafp-aaha-feline-vaccinationhttps://www.avma.org/advocacy/state-and-local-advocacy/administration-rabies-vaccination-state-laws
RABIES AND CATS
The only way to test for rabies is by examination of the brain tissue of a dead animal. There is no way to test for rabies infection in a live animal.
Rabies may also seem to be a matter of wildlife but only a century ago in the U.S. it was definitely a matter of cats and dogs. The first vaccine came in 1885 in France and improved in 1908, though it was initially used as a treatment and not a preventative.3 As recently as 1960 the majority of reported rabies cases were in domestic animals, mostly dogs.4 Because of stringent rabies vaccination laws in this country we've managed to keep it at bay in our closest animal companions. It's the reason why a rabies vaccine is both part of the core vaccine protocol to protect the health of your cat and why most states in the US require unbroken rabies vaccination coverage to protect humans and other animals.
The guidelines also state that cats with a history of injection-site sarcoma believed to be associated with a rabies vaccine should not be revaccinated.6
NOTE:datesaresetfortheclinics,butatpublicationit’snotyetdeterminedwhichclinicsareFreeorFastTrack.Checkwwwhomelesscat.org/clinic-infoforthemostuptodateinformation.Moredatesmaybeannouncedanddates
Clarion Paws (Serves Clarion, Forest and Jefferson County)
Washington Area Humane Society
NOTE: dates may be added and are subject to change.
This is an ever-changing list of resources for pet owners in Pittsburgh and beyond including low-cost spay and neuter programs for pets as well as TNR for community cats, after-hours emergency care, help with veterinary bills, pet-friendly rentals in Pittsburgh and across the US and links to shelters for adoption and other services. This information is provided for reference only and subject to change without notice. Please contact the organization or agency before using their services.
Homeless Cat Management Clinic Schedule through December
Butler County Humane Society
ANIMAL CRUELTY LAWS BY STATE (UNITED STATES) Animal Legal & Historical Center www.animallaw.info/articles/armpstatecruelty.htm
SEPTEMBER CLINICS
For1015EvansCityRoad,Renfrew,PA16053https://butlercountyhs.org/clinic/currentpricingandscheduleinformationpleasegiveusacallat724-789-1150.
Low-cost Spay and Neuter Organizations and Programs
Pet/TNR:Open3967WilliamFlinnHwy,AllisonPark,PA15101,412-213-7353Monday-Friday.Nolongerofferingwalk-inservicesforferals.Spay$56,Neuter$37,visitwebsitefordetailsandscheduling.Alsoofferslowcostvaccinationsandbasicmedicaltreatments.https://spayaz.com/locations/pittsburgh-north-hills/
Fix’N Wag’N Spay/neuter:$70.Visitthewebsiteforupcomingdatesandplaces.https://fixnwagn.com/
SNIPP: Spay and Neuter Indiana PA Pets availability.MonthlyWestmoreland/IndianaCounties,Alle-KiskiValley(Leechburg)lowcostclinics,checkwebsitefordatesandhttp://www.snippindianapa.org/
Lawrence County Animal Relief Fund (LCARF)
Po(fundsReimbursespartialfundstohelpspay/neuterferalcatsnotalwaysavailable)Box55135,Pittsburgh,PA15207-0135
Low-cost Spay/Neuter Organizations in Allegheny and surrounding counties (alphabetical) sponsorTheseareorganizationswhicharenotday-to-dayclinicsbutorganize,host,orotherwiseprovideaccesstospayandneuterservices.
155DarkHollowRd,Waynesburg,PA15370https://catnip-acres.com/TheCatnipAcresclinicwasdestroyedinafire(noanimalswereharmed!)inJanuary2022buttheyarerebuilding.Clinicsareonholduntiltheyhaveaspacefortheclinicagain.
Frankie’s Friends
BySpay/neuter7305thAvenue,NewKensington,PA15068,724-889-7011forpet/feralcats:Neuter$50,Spay$65,includesrabies,earmitetreatment,fleatreatment.Alsoofferslowcostvaccinationsandbasicmedicaltreatments.appointmentonly,nowalk-ins.Usewebsiteorcalltoschedule.http://www.frankies-friends.org/
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs at Shelters in Allegheny and surrounding counties
CAT RESOURCE GUIDE 2022
Fix ‘Ur Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic
appointmentCall18LowCostSpayNeuterWashingtonCounty,Inc.,DBAFix‘UrCatWestPikeStreet,Canonsburg,PA1531724-405-7FIX(7349)foranappointment.Spay/neuterclinicsarebyonly.Pets:$60forfemales,$50formalesFerals:$50Downloadandcompleteapplication,mailinforappointment.https://www.fixurcat.org/spay-and-neuter/
MonthlyPOBox8514,NewCastle,PA16107,724-510-4952http://www.lcarf.com/clinics:$70Spay/NeuterforCatsandKittens!Includesarabiesvaccine,FVRCPvaccine,(distemper)andfleaandearmitetreatment Operation Spay/Neuter youIncome-basedButler,PA(forButlerCountyresidentsonly)spaysandneutersfordogsandcats.Call724-287-SPAY(7729)orcanemailfordetailshttp://operationspayneuter.com/
Pet Search
P.O.Box1653,Washington,PA15301Call724-228-7335forclinicinformation.http://www.petsearchpa.org/
SHELTER PROGRAMS Animal Friends
CityofPittsburghoffersfivefreespays/neuterstoallcityresidentshttp://www.pittsburghpa.gov/publicsafety/animal-control/spay-neuter.html
TNR AND LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER PITTSBURGH AREA Homeless Cat Management Team 207 Allegheny St., PO Box 100203, Tarentum, PA 15084, 412-321-4060
THESE ARE INDEPENDENT CLINICS THAT OFFER SERVICES ON SITE DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS. Frankie’s Friends Spay/neuter7305thAvenue,NewKensington,PA15068,724-889-7011forpet/feralcats:Neuter$40,Spay$55,includesRabies,Earmitetreatment,FleaTreatment.Alsoofferslowcostvaccinationsandbasicmedicaltreatments.http://www.frankies-friends.org/
North Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic
Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (PVSEC) http://www.pvs-ec.com/ Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care appointmentsWalk-in,urgent,emergencycareaswellassurgeriesandregularwellnessduringdaytimehours.560McNeillyRd.,PittsburghPA15226,Phone:412-998-9030,Fax:412-998-9034https://riversvet.com/
VCA Castle Shannon Animal Hospital http://www.vcahospitals.com/castle-shannon VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center http://www.vcahospitals.com/northview A-VETS, http://www.avets.us/ PET-FRIENDLY RENTALS InthePittsburgharea,visitthislistontheFosterCatwebsite:http://www.fostercat.org/friendly.html Nationwide (United States only) http://www.rent.com/pet-friendly-apartments
SHELTERS AND SHELTER SERVICES pantries,Adoption,surrender,low-costclinics,petfoodreferrals,etc. Humane Animal Rescue, North Shore (Western PA Humane Society) www.wpahumane.org Humane Animal Rescue, East Liberty (Animal Rescue League) www.animalrescue.org Animal Friends (AFI), www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Advocates, animaladvocates.net Washington Area Humane Society, www.washingtonpashelter.org Butler County Humane Society, www.butlercountyhs.org Beaver County Humane Society, www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org
Low-cost spay/neuter and animal services in and around Allegheny County
phonetheFeralhttp://www.homelesscat.org/CatsandRescuedCats.Feralcatsmustarriveinahumanetrap.Checkwebsiteforclinicdates.Allappointmentsmustbemadebycallingthenumber.Nowalk-ins.Ferals:$30.00FastTrack,no-chargeatfreeclinics.RescuedCats:Females$55.00,Males$40.00Bothincluderabies,earmiteandfleatreatments.Otherservicesavailable. City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City Residents
Beaver County Humane Society 3394 Brodhead Road, Center Township, PA 15001, Friendlyhttps://beavercountyhumanesociety.org/tnr-and-owned-cat-surgery-prices724-775-5801cats:beginat$75.Feralcats:beginat$35Visitwebsiteformoreinformation.
Penn Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic
CLINIC REGISTRATION BY PHONE: call 412-321-4060 and leave a message. Please include your name and phone number in your message. Someone will return your call and complete your pre-registration. HCMT is all volunteer and this may take some time. Clinics fill up quickly and it’s best to call at least two weeks in advance of the clinic you want to attend.
Pet/TNR:Open11644FrankstownRd,Pittsburgh,PA15235,412-244-1202Monday-Friday.Nolongerofferingwalk-inservicesforferals.Spay$56,Neuter$37,visitwebsitefordetailsandscheduling.Alsoofferslowcostvaccinationsandbasicmedicaltreatments.http://www.spayaz.com/Pittsburgh.html
are subject to change. Check www.homelesscat.org/clinic-info for the most up to date information. 23petconnections.pet September 10, 24 October 8, 22 November 5, 19 December 3, 17 2022
Our clinic is located at 207 Allegheny Street, Tarentum, PA 15084. All appointments include surgery, pain medicine, rabies vaccine and flea treatment.
Feral/OutdoorPet/friendlyhttps://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org/pet-care/spay-neuter/cats:$65spayorneuter,includespainmedication–vaccinesrequireareanadditionalfee.Package:$50,includespainmedication,rabies,FVRCP,eartipandfleatreatment.Catsmustbeferalandinahumanetraptoreceivethisservice. Humane Animal Rescue Feral/OutdoorPet/friendlyNorthEasthttps://humaneanimalrescue.org/veterinary-care/spay-and-neuter-services/End:66209HamiltonAve.,Pittsburgh,PA15206,412-661-6452Shore:1101WesternAve.,PittsburghPA15233,412-321-4625cats:$70spay/neuter,rabies,FVRCP(distemper),microchipPackage:$50,includespainmedication,rabies,FVRCP,eartipandfleatreatment.Catsmustbeferalandinahumanetraptoreceivethisservice.
BY EMAIL: Email cathomeless@gmail.com with your name, number of spots you need and which date you are registering for. You will receive a confirmation email ONLY if you are registered.
Currently1527Route136,EightyFour,PA15330http://washingtonpashelter.org/movingintonewbuilding.
Low-cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Clinics
ForestfinancialtreatmentPetsMonthlyMailingaddress:P.O.Box804,Clarion,PA16214CurrentLocation:11348Route322,Shippenville,PA(ClarionRiverHill,betweenKronospanandClarionElectric)http://www.clarionpaws.org/programs/spay-neuter/clinicslistedonwebsite,submitanapplication.orferals:$65spay,$45neuter.Includesrabiesvaccine,earmitecheckandandfleatreatment. Optionalservicesatanupcharge.TrappingandassistancethroughSpayNeuterprogrammaybeavailabletoClarion,andJeffersonCountyferal/straycatcaregiversonacasebycasebasis.
Catnip Acres (Greene County)
Fluffy Jean Fund (Washington County)
Fund for Feral Cats of Pittsburgh
Packagesat$65and$85CallFaithforAvailableDatesandAppointments(724)941-5683press1E-Mail:faith.b2@verizon.nethttp://fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com/
Find Local Low-cost Spay, Neuter and Veterinary Care on the Internet Low-cost Neuter and Spay (search by zip) http://neuterspay.org/ Love That Cat (online search) http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html Spay USA http://www.spayusa.org/search.php Spay and Neuter Early, a Humane Alliance Campaign http://www.whentospay.org/get-your-pet-fixed Get Your Fix.org http://getyourfix.org/ ASPCA searchable map of low-cost clinics in US & Canada low-cost-spayneuter-programshttps://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/ EMERGENCY AND AFTER-HOURS CARE
South: Lowry’s Western Store 724-228-1225 | lowryswesternshop.com
24 Pittsburgh PetConnections | Fall 2022
Success Just Clicks, successjustclicks.com North Shore: South: Paula’s Professional Dog Services, 412-818-2482
DIRECTORIES
South: Kara Jones Photography, kjones.smugmug.com Paws ‘n Claws Eyewear, PawsnClawsEyewear.com
DOG TRAINING North: AKIN Family Dog Training (Lilian Akin) 412-732-8091 | akinfdt.net Greater Pittsburgh Area: Happy Pets Training/Christine Flint 412-373-9583 | www.happypetstraining.com
DOG TRAINING CLUBS South: Dogworks Training Center at The Canine Club 412-220-8100 | www.thecanineclub.com
North: The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium nationalaviary.orgThepittsburghzoo.orgNationalAviary
ANIMAL COMMUNICATION
Greater Pittsburgh Area: Renee Takacs, M.A., | intuitguide.com
ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS North: Animal 412-847-7000Friends| thinkingoutsidethecage.org Beaver County Humane Society 724-775-5801 | www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Frankie’s Friend Rescue 724-889-7011 | www.frankies-friends.org Pennsylvania Great Dane Rescue, 724-869-9185 Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary 412-366-1187 | hopehavenfarm.org South: Animal Care & Welfare 412-244-1372 | animalcareandwelfare.org Droopy’s Basset Rescue 888-9 GET DROOL | www.droopysbassetrescue.com Washington Area Humane Society 724-222-7387 | washingtonpashelter.org Animals Against the Odds Rescue/Rehab 724-622-0434Southwww.aato.rescueme.orgHillsPetRescue|www.southhillspetrescue.org East: Humane Animal Rescue 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org HAR Wildlife Center 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org SW PA Pugs with Special Needs 724-763-2790 | swpapug.org West: CARMAA, 412-780-4983 | carmaa-petadoption.com Greater Pittsburgh Area: SPAAR, www.facebook.com/guardianangelspugrescueGuardianwww.seniorpetandanimalrescue.orgAngelsPugRescue,724-537-3466
EQUINE FEED & SUPPLY AGWAY - SOUTHERN STATES North: Mount Nebo Agway, Sewickley, PA | 412-364-4430 Beaver Agway, Beaver, PA | 724-775-0535 Mars Agway, Mars PA | 724-625-2340 South: Eighty Four Agway, Eighty Four, PA | 724-222-0600 East: Ligonier Agway, Ligonier, PA | 724-238-6207 West: Imperial Agway, Imperial, PA | 724-695-7388
Pet Chiropractor North: Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com Greater Pittsburgh: Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com EASE Animal 205-492-1000Wholestic412-447-8490Massage|www.easeanimalmassage.comEquine&PetServices
HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS FOR GUARDIANS East End: Judith Levy, Coaching/Energy Modalities 412-726-2659 | www.judithlevycoaching.com South: HOLISTIC VETERINARIANS Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com Dr. Qiang Li VCA Castle Shannon 412-885-2500 PET BURIAL, MEMORIAL & CREMATION SERVICES South: Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation 412-220-7800 | ccpc.ws Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home 412-655-4500 | jeffersonmemorial.biz Greater Pittsburgh: Thousand Hills Pet Crematory 724-355-8296 | www.thousandhillspetcrematory.com Sunny 412-292-6701Acres | sunnyacres.6@gmail.com
ANIMAL-RELATED ART, PHOTOGRAPHY & RETAIL April Minech Custom Portraits | Pet Inspired Art Blackwww.ladybugdelightz.etsy.comCatArt|PetPortraits/Murals/Fine Art 412-983-5278 | www.blackcatartllc.com North: Kim Lenz, Behind the Lenz Photography 412-983-0981, 412-371-5212BuzzyBehind-the-Lenz-127787624032093/https://www.facebook.com/Photography|anita@buzzyphoto.com
Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club 412-653-6880 | gtotc.com Keystone Canine Training 412-833-2211 | keystonecanine.com Xcel Canine Training Center 412-833-2504 | xcelcaninetraining.com
HOLISTIC PET PRACTITIONERS
ANIMAL EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS
PET GROOMING North: Keeta Mobile Pet Spa 412-545-3328 | Keetapetspa.com All About 724-925-1577Dogs| allaboutdogsgrooming.info Happy Tailz Pet Spa 412-759-7620 | Happytailzpetspa.com Larry’s 412-534-4052Laundromutt|Larryslaundromutt.com South: Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com East: Animal 412-466-7877Cat412-361-1177Elegance|www.animal-elegance.comAroundTownCatGrooming(PURR)|cataroundtown.com Greater Pittsburgh Area: Zoom N Groom (Sonya Patterson), 724-225-4827
EQUINE VETERINARIANS Dr. Brian Burks, DVM - Fox Run Equine Center 724-727-3481 | foxrunequine.com
EQUINE BOARDING, LESSONS & TRAINING FACILITIES North: Rockin’ Horse Stables 724-601-4706 | rockinhorsestables.com South: Coventry Equestrian Center, 724-206-9902 Manon’s Farm, 724-705-7912 | 724-621-0260 SydMor Equestrian Center 724-969-0510 | www.sydmorstables.com
Humane Society of Greene County 724-627-9988 | greenepet.org PEARL Parrot Rescue, www.pearlparrots.com BIRD & SUPPLIES Natural Inspirations Parrot www.naturalinspirationsparrotcages.comCages
EQUINE TACK STORES North: Shady Acres 412-963-9454Saddlery|www.shadyacressaddlery.biz
PET RETAIL/SUPPLY North: Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com East: Petagogy, petagogy.com | 412-362-7387 Petland East Side Village 412-363-PETS | www.petlandvillageofeastside.com
Unique Home www.uniquehomesolutions.comSolutions South: Southpointe Chamber, www.southpointe.net
Baskets of O2www.trixiesdogfashions.comTrixie’sDig724-831-9437Nature|www.basketsofnature.comItCollars,dig-it-store.comDogFashionsDermPetTopicalGel,www.O2Dermpet.com
VETERINARY HOSPICE & MOBILE SERVICES
Greater Pittsburgh Area: Asgard Raw Dog and Cat Food 412-408-3355 | www.asgard-raw.com
Western PA No Boarders Pet and Animal Care Home & Farm Sitting 724-219-7801 | Noboarders-petcare.com South: Your Critter Sitters (Raylene Hoover) 724-448-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com East: Pittsburgh Pet Concierge 412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning 724-225-1644 | www.onehourair.com OxyMagic, 412-781-4110 | www.oxypgh.com Redford 412-342-0500Susanwww.redfordphotography.comPhotographyG.KomenPittsburgh|www.komenpittsburgh.org East Pittsburgh East Nissan 412-824-9020 | www.pittsburgheastnissan.com
VETERINARY PHARMACIES
VETERINARY HOSPITALS North: Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical 412-364-5353VCAveterinary-services724-889-7011Frankie412-884-3162Center|www.cheyennevet1.comFriendsVeterinaryServices|www.frankies-friends.org/low-cost-724-889-7011NorthviewAnimalHospital|vcanorthview.com
South: All About Pets Veterinary Hospital 724-745-5503 | aapvet.com All About Pets Veterinary Hospital – Washington location 724-503-4887 | www.aapvet.com All Life Veterinary Clinics, 724-281-3446 Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care 412-998-9030 | riversvet.com East: The Big Easy Animal Hospital 412-908-9301 | tbeah.com Monroeville Pet Hospital 412-372-1100 | www.monroevillepethospital.com
PET FRIENDLY BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS Bactronix, 412-375-7886 | www.bactronix.com Good Nature Organic Lawn Care 888-LAWNSAFER | whygoodnature.com Simple Sugars Scrub, Simplesugarsscrub.com UBS Financial Services 412-665-1914 | lee.oleinick@ubs.com
South: American Destiny Real Estate Services 412-983-2220 | www.adr-usa.com 877-716-6840Amore | amoreapartments.com
PET MINISTRIES
VETERINARY SPECIALTY & EMERGENCY SERVICES North/South: Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, 412-366-3400Inc. | 724-809-2000 pvs-ec.com
Village Shoppes Scenery Hill Elves Lair Christmas & Gifts, Jan’s Tea Shoppe - 2nd Street Coffee Roasters, Velvet Envelope, Westerwald Pottery, Two Old Crows, www.sceneryhillpa.com
J & D Waterproofing Home Improvement 724-746-8870 | www.jdwaterproofing.com Matt Arch Foundation, www.connectarian.com
South: Christ United Methodist Church 412-277-1096 | christumc.net
25petconnections.pet List your business today! pghpetconnections@gmail.com
PET GROOMING SCHOOLS North: Pa Academy of Pet Grooming, 412-759-7620
Westminster Presbyterian Church 412-835-6630 | westminster-church.org
Greater Pittsburgh Area: Fragasso Financial Advisors 412-227-3200 | www.fragassoadvisors.com
PET-FRIENDLY LIVING
PET REHABILITATION Rebound Pet www.reboundpetrehabilitation.com4152-508-2285Rehabilitation
Greater Pittsburgh Area: Murray Avenue Apothecary 412-421-4996 | MAApgh.com
Greater Pittsburgh Area: Nancy A. Ruffing, DVM 412-801-1071 | gentlejourneyvet.com
PET RESORTS - BOARDING, DAYCARE, GROOMING & TRAINING Camp Bow Wow, www.CampBowWow.com Locations: Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh Southwest 710 Trumbull Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412-276-WAGS (9247)
Greater Pittsburgh Area: Judy Smith Team Realtor – Berkshire Hathaway 412-274- 7618 | 412-445-8550Pinchtate-agent/2242288/judy-smith-team/details/www.thepreferredrealty.com/real-esPropertyServices|PinchPropertyServices.com East: The Getaway at Glen Highland www.glenhighlandgetaway.comFarm
Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh North 2327 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-931-WAGS (9247) Camp Bow Wow Highland Park 1325 Washington Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-362-PLAY (7529) Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh East 1610 McClure Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15146 724-733-CAMP (2267) North: Dog stop724-935-DOGSNorth(3647) | www.thedogstop.net The Dog Stop - Sewickley 412-766-DOGS (3647) | www.thedogstop.net Lucky Paws Pet Resort 724-728-1484 | www.luckypawsresort.com South: Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa 724-746-3899 | fuzzy-paws.com Hounds Town USA 724-413-3135Pampered412-343-1171Thewww..houndtownusa.com412-232-5285DogStop-BanksvilleRd.|www.thedogstop.netPawResort|pamperedpawresort.com East: Pittsburgh Pet Concierge 412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org Doggone Awesome Pet Services, 724-327-7297Walkers412-824-7991Country412-315-7050The412-361-0911The412-373-3355Thewww.doggoneawesomepetservices.com724-212-0427DogStop-Monroeville|www.thedogstop.netDogStop-EastEnd|www.thedogstop.netDogStop-East:StripDistrict|www.thedogstop.netLanePetHotel|www.countrylanepethotel.comPetHoTail|www.WalkersPetHoTail.com
PET SITTERS North Furry Family Pet Sitting 412-999-9524 | www.furryfamilypetsitting.com
I also tell riders that if they read a book on training a horse, it would tell them to ride the horse the same way in both directions. Nope, not true. Horses are different in both directions. Most horses bend to the right, and the outside shoulder falls out, and when they track left, the inside shoulder falls in because they still want to bend right even when going left. Oh geez. So, simple training exercises on the circle bring this to the rider's awareness. Starting to position or bend the horse on the circle with rhythm becomes dressage training for the horse. Training starts on the circle figuring out how to bend and balance a longitudinal horse with the rider's vertical aids. It really doesn't make sense if you think about it!
When we show dressage, we display to the judge how well we trained the horse in both directions at all three gaits. Training level starts with the rider being able to ride the horse on four twenty-meter circles, two at a trot and two
I call my first lessons "my getting to know you lesson." I know, and I want my students to know. Teaching to me is a dialog. My typical first question is, what are your three natural aids? It is amazing what riders do not know: the legs, seat, and hands. And the secret to riding is using all three natural aids in unison or what is called equestrian tact. All aids work in conjunction and are not used independently of one another. I always ask what do you think the word dressage means. Most dressage enthusiasts don't know this either. It means the gymnastic training of the horse. It does not mean I just imported a fancy warmblood and bought the matching outfit and boots. Any horse and rider can do dressage or gymnastically train the horse.
First Dressage Lesson, with
Kristin Hermann Part I
I follow the USDF training scale or pyramid in all lessons, and once again, most riders are not familiar with this either. Rhythm, relaxation, contact, straight, impulsion, then collection. However there are many sub-sections in the training scale, but the first three are the most important—the basics. You cannot ride a horse unless it is relaxed, and you must have rhythm before you can even think about contact. So to help my students remember the Training Scale, I call it the Three R's Relaxed, Rhythmic, and Round instead of Contact. Next, I explain how we do most of our training on the circle. I call it the Training Wheel of Training, or the 20-meter circle, to establish these first three basics. (It also enables me not to have to scream across the arena.) On the twenty-meter circle or the training wheel of training, riders learn about rhythm and bending or positioning. You can't let a horse track left and look to the outside of the circle. I use the analogy of car tires for adults and a bicycle tire for a younger person. Renowned equestrian Bill Woods used to talk about a train and the horse's spine following the track. Circling left, the horse's whole body, from tail to poll, should be bent or positioned onto the arc of the circle. And how do you do that? By using your three natural aids.
As I teach, I share with the riders what each aid's job is supposed to do and called.
AFFAIRSEQUINE
Shockingly, most riders never heard this information either! (Maybe I read too much when I was learning?) The inside rein is called the "softening rein." You soften the horse in the neck as you bend it to the inside. I never instructed riders to look for the horse's inside eye because I want riders to look ahead and not down. Then the inside "active leg" keeps the horse going by activating the inside hind leg, and the rider's outside "supporting rein" supports the horse from falling in on the circle. Yes, each rein and leg aid has a name that explains its purpose.
26 Pittsburgh PetConnections | Fall 2022
The inside softening rein softens the horse in the neck, the active inside leg asks the horse to stay out or bend plus move forward if needed, and the outside supporting rein supports the bending horse from falling in. The outside leg is called "passive." However, it is supposed to hold the haunches and keep them from falling out, so in theory, the outside leg is not really passive! I often joke when I teach, "now, is that enough information already, or are you ready to put it all together?" I think it is essential for riders to understand what they are doing and why! That is why I share this information.
Part II continued in Winter Edition
Riders try so hard to do it right and become stiff and ineffective. You ride with your joints, not with your muscles.
petconnections.pet Andrea Ross Masterson Equine Method | Certifi ed Practitioner (205) 492-1000 Reiki Master Animal &CommunicationsIntuitive Canine Natural Remedies & Alternative Therapies Canine Seminars,Multiple&ModifiBehaviorcationConsultationsSessionDiscountsclinics,andremoteconsultations. Wholestic Equine & Pet Services
Indeed, the act of riding is the ultimate in multitasking.
I love that the dressage tests have a coefficient score for "effective use of aids." Yes, effective! What does effective mean?
27
Clinton, PA at a canter. Then we ride a few straight lines on the centerline, across the diagonal, and splice in a stretchy circle to show that we are not holding a horse together. The judge expects the rider to be bending the horse in the direction of travel and riding the horse at all three gaits unconstrained. Once the rider understands bending on a circle with rhythm and contact, the lesson progresses to straight lines. Straight lines and circles, oh my. I just spent months learning how to bend a horse, and now you want me to go straight? By this time, the student is either fascinated with horse training or dressage or, like me, says, "where is the closest liquor store?" But, what is dressage? It is learning how to ride on straight lines and circles! We train our horses on straight lines and circles, so if you do not value the training process (which takes time), you may as well take up golf or tennis. In all dressage tests, we come down the center line twice. But for training purposes, it does not matter if it is a straight line on the center line, quarter line, or second track. What matters is that the horse is straight. Horses are not born straight any more than we are born ambidextrous. I always share a famous quote: "we ride our horse forward ( relaxed and rhythmic), and WE put them straight." I emphasize that the word riding is a verb! Riding is an action word. You have to do something with your three natural aids to get results from the horse. Horses do not go straight. Riding on the quarter line or straight line, we realize how crooked our horses are with the shoulders falling in or out. And, how do we put them straight, easy - by using our three natural aids. Just riding a horse on a straight line teaches more about the rider's aid coordination than any instructor could tell them!
Riding is like treading water; if you sit still and don't tread, you will drown. You have to move and signal the horse in rhythm with its rhythm, and that is only one of the challenges. So many riders come to me that are afraid to open a rein; I tell them it is explained in every book. I did not make it up; go ahead and move. I give students permission to bend an elbow, open a rein, and move their heads. But many riders have been told not to move, lock their elbows in, and no breathing when they ride. We could call it 'mummified riding.' Hmmm, a good title for a future article!
It means doing something. Like put the horse's shoulders straight, bend the horse, and ask it to move if needed. I like to shatter that concept that all this does not happen from a rider just sitting there looking pretty. Use your aids, and be effective; however, let's not look like we are riding a trampoline. Move an elastic elbow forward and back, widen the hands if needed to get a direct line of communication elbow to bit, let the leg breathe with the horse's rib cage, but kick when needed, and allow the seat to absorb the horse's back oscillating and not bear down.
Caring For Families Who Love Their Pets.
28 Pittsburgh PetConnections | Fall 2022 REMEMBRANCE 442 Washington Avenue Bridgeville, PA 412-220-780015017 www.ccpc.ws
Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation
We lost our beloved Pookie last night. He was 16 and suffered an awful seizure that would not stop. We rushed him to the ER vet. He was so weak. He passed peacefully in my arms on Boogie’s birthday. We rescued this needy little man at the age of 13. Pookie was blind, deaf, unwilling to be left alone and enjoyed waking up at 2am, stepping in his water bowl and then peeing on the floor if not carried out to the grass within one minute He pranced around the yard always on the move. A funny unique determined little man It was not always easy but it made my heart full to give him a loving home in his final years. Run free my precious boy I know you’ll meet Maxy, Flo and Chester at the bridge…
—Jerrilyn Walter
Pookie June 2008 - August 2022
Please, come in and feel at ease…. My goal and mission is to provide you with a comforting place during a very difficult time. I will personally ensure that your pet is treated with respect and dignity. Transportation provided from your home or veterinarian’s office. p•p Cremations performed on premises at my Bridgeville location. p•p Large selection of urns and remembrances.
29petconnections.pet
There is a special place in the southern suburbs of Pittsburgh that is open, cozy, and tranquil respite from the bustle of the surrounding community. Affording beatific vistas of rolling hills and wooden glens that wrap around friendly nearby neighborhoods. Jefferson Memorial Cemetery has provided a a peaceful resting place since 1929 when it was founded by Harry C. Neel. Jefferson Memorial Park was founded in 1929 and passed down to his only son, John D. Neel, who is credited with the growth and innovation that has made Jefferson Memorial what it is today. John’s eldest son, also Harry C. Neel, currently runs the business as President and CEO. Harry’s oldest daughter, Dagny V.N. Fitzpatrick, joined the sales department of Jefferson Memorial and is now Vice President in charge of Family Services. Harry’s second daughter, Whitney R. Neel, joined the Funeral Home team in 2013 and will become the family’s 1st Funeral Director upon completion of her mortuary degree in December 2016.
Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Facts A fully handicap accessible facility • 18,500 square feet of floor space, beautifully decorated in Williamsburg décor • A chapel with vaulted ceiling and cushioned pews to seat up to 115 people
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• Lighted parking lot that holds 178 cars with 6 handicap accessible parking spots
TheGarden of Faithful Friendsat more than just pets, they’re family. today to find out about your PetConnections savings! | 412.655.4500 | Jeffersonmemorial.biz
Call
Jefferson Memorial Cemetery Facts • Jefferson cemetery consists of 340 owned acres with 170 acres developed and 180 acres available for future development
Unlike many cemeteries and funeral home’s today, Jefferson Memorial has a place dedicated to our furry friends that’s open, cozy and, tranquil – The Garden of Faithful Friends. Within the garden is the Faithful Friends Mausoleum, which houses crypt spaces for your pet, and unlike any other cemetery in the area, space for you and your pet. In that same building are niche spaces for pet and human cremated remains.
We at Jefferson believe that a pet who gave love and loyalty through life deserves the respect and dignity of having their remains placed in a lasting and final resting place, just as you would your human counterpart, for they too are a part of the family.
Our Garden of Faithful Friends allows your pet to stay at your side forever. It truly represents our motto – Family is at the Heat of Everything We Do.
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The Garden of Faithful Friends at
• A children’s room that offers parents and guardians the ability to express their condolences without a babysitter (adult supervision is required)
• 24 garden statues of bronze or marble
Jefferson Memorial
We have developed a distinctive pet room that consists of an arrangement room, a display room for caskets, urns and memorials, as well as a visitation room. Our before needs representatives and Family Service team aim to serve our pet families in every way we can.
• 1500 average annual interments 38 traditional ground burial gardens including 4 lawn crypt sections for double depth burials
• 5 visitation rooms • Hospitality room and lounge with parquet hardwood flooring
The mausoleum is an elegant visual feature that expresses meaningful sayings and showcases people with their pets. Like a full-service funeral home, Jefferson Memorial offers visitation opportunities to all pet families.
Designed exclusively for pets and their parents. Complete funeral and burial services for you and your faithful friend. Including advance planning for cremation, urns, graves, caskets and memorials.
We all love our pets and want to know they are in a safe and respectful place.
For more information on how we can help you in your pets time of need, please reach out to our trained professional representatives at www.jeffersonmemorial.biz or call us directly at 412.655.4500.
• Mausoleum Crypt spaces constructed for casketed burial that includes 5 separate buildings and 4 private mausoleums
• 14 mausoleum cremation niche units • 14 gardens that contain cremation niches
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bluepearlvet.com The most comprehensive multispecialty referral & emergency veterinary center in western Pennsylvania EMERGENCY SERVICES 24 hours a day, 365 days a year SERVICES OFFERED • Anesthesia & Pain Management • Cardiology • Critical Care • Dermatology • Diagnostic Imaging • Emergency Medicine • Internal Medicine • Neurology & Neurosurgery • Oncology • Ophthalmology • Radiation Oncology • Surgery NORTH HILLS 807 Camp Horne Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 412.366.340015237 SOUTH HILLS 1535 Washington Rd. Washington, PA 724.809.200015301
