Bham Pets - Spring 2020

Spring 2020

VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 4

MEET LEXI, OUR COVER PAGE 3

MODEL

PET PANTRIES

PROVIDING COVID-19 RELIEF PAGE 7

A Dramatic Bald Eagle Rescue PAGE 22

A Fear Free® veterinary clinic, devoted to your pet’s well-being.

VetCare of Calera ~ Keri Hicks, DVM

100 Hampton Drive, Suite J ~ Calera, Alabama (205) 668-4233 ~ vetcareofcalera.com

We LOVE pampering your pets!

Dog & cat boarding | Doggie daycare | Bathing Canine boarding

• Indoor spacious runs • Luxury suites • Five play yards • Paw spa for baths and nail trims

Feline boarding

• Individual cat condos • Climbing activities • Viewing area adjacent to a 75 gallon salt water aquarium

Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm | Sat, 8am-6pm | Sun, 3-5pm for pickup 2193 Parkway Lake Drive, Hoover (205) 397-3197 | thepamperedpetresort.com

2 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

E D I TO R ’ S

I

t has been so moving to see the way people—many whom had never even met before—joined forces to help each other and lift up our communities during the outbreak of COVID-19. At Bham Pets our shared love of animals is what unifies us.

We take pride in bringing you the story of a Pelham resident who works tirelessly to provide free food to pet owners in crisis. Read how Sheila Montgomery is responding to increasing needs brought on by economic strains from the Coronavirus in “Pet Pantries Provide COVID-19 Relief” (page 7).

And for a happy diversion from the serious tenor of these times, what could be better than a story about dock diving dogs (page 8) or photos of smiley canines and regal cats (page 24)? (Our readers submitted

N OT E

more than 360 photos for our cover contest!) Also inside these pages, we share resources, deliver expert information, share photos of pets about town, and trade interesting stories— like a dramatic bald eagle interstate rescue (page 22). Most importantly, we offer one place to come together to support animals and the humans who love them. Let us tell your story next—email me at jeana@jbmcmedia.com. I look forward to learning more about how our Bham Pets community is helping our fur friends in these new and challenging times.

Jeana Durst Editor and Chief Animal Lover

MEET OUR COVER MODEL Lexi is an 8-month-old beagle who lives in Odenville with her mom and dad, Emily and Curtis. She loves to chew bones and hide them anywhere around the house— even in the middle of the floor. She has even learned to “say” please and sit up on her back legs, helping her earn even more treats. Her best friends are her beagle cousins, Calipari and Ulis, and her beagle uncle Wildcat (she loves being the only girl).

Lexi is really excited about earning a spot on the cover of Bham Pets!

Want to see your pet on the cover of our summer edition? Turn to page 29 to read about our Pet Photo Contest.

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 3

Looking for extra copies?

Want to advertise?

Have a story idea?

Email us: matthew@jbmcmedia.com

4 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

WHO WE ARE

One thing is true about the Magic City: we LOVE our pets! And because of this love of pets we have in Birmingham, there are some truly awesome businesses who help us love our pets even more. Be sure to check out our advertising sponsors and do business with them.

Bone Appetit

19

DogWatch of Central Alabama

32

Issis & Sons

19

Love Them Train Them

15

Pit Stop Photos

14

Printswell

6

Roverchase

6

The Pampered Pet Resort

2

VetCare of Calera

2

Vulcan Termite and Pest Control

4

ADVERTISING To reach the largest audience of animals and their humans in Birmingham, partner with us. Email matthew@jbmcmedia.com to get started with a partnership that will be a key part of your marketing plan.

ABOUT US Bham Pets is published quarterly by JBMC Media, LLC, P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham AL 35260. 10,000 copies are printed and distributed at locations throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties where pet owners frequent. All content in this magazine remains property of JBMC Media, LLC, and may not be reproduced without express written consent from JBMC Media, LLC. DISTRIBUTION If your business would like to make copies of this magazine available to customers each month, please email matthew@ jbmcmedia.com and provide the business name, address, point of contact, and how many copies you would like each month.

SUSTAINABILITY After you’ve read the stories in this magazine several times, don’t throw it away! Please recycle it responsibly.

BHAMPETS.COM

BHAM PETS

INSIDE Pet Pantries Provide COVID-19 Relief Woman helps animals in need. 7 Making a Splash Soaring dogs splash their way to health. 8 Ask a Vet Tips on flea and tick prevention. 10 Saturday in the Park Do Dah Day celebrates all creatures. 11 Providing Canine Enrichment Just like us, your furry friends need more than just food and exercise. 12 Protect Your Pets Identify potential plant dangers. 13 A Legislative Update Update from Montgomery. 14 Stubborn or Not? Key training basics. 15

In Photos: Reading Buddies For children learning to read aloud, dogs make the best listeners. 17 Rescue Spotlight: Adopt a Golden Birmingham Locals come together to help find forever homes for canine companion. 18 In Photos: Barks & Brews Dogs brought their humans to Oversoul Brewing in Helena for a good cause. 20 A Raptor Rescue to Remember Women save bald eagle involved in interstate calamity. 22 Cover Photo Contest Out of more than 350 contestents, here is a look at the top 100 vote-getters. 24 Local Services for Your Animal A round-up of the area’s best resources and services for pet owners. 30

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 5

6 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

F E AT U R E S TO R Y

COVID-19 RELIEF FOR PETS Want to help? Join with these community groups to make sure no dog or cat ever has to go hungry.

By Jeana Durst “Because life happens to us all.” That’s the sign you’ll see at The Pelham Pet Pantry, opened by Sheila Montgomery, a Pelham resident and mother to four dogs and two cats. This family-run organization is helping people who are in need feed their dogs and cats by providing free pet food with no questions asked. In fact, in one 60-day period, the pantry distributed 701 pounds of dry food and 74 cans of wet food. Recently, Montgomery took over the Hueytown Community Pet Pantry as well.

With the onset of the novel coronavirus and the resulting economic strain, the need is greater than ever. During the third week in March, Montgomery gave away 200 cans of food—in only 24 hours. “It has become very, very serious; they just keep coming and coming,” Montgomery says. With many shelters no longer accepting animals, food insecurity for animals is on the rise. A third pet pantry, not affiliated with Montgomery, is also open in Alabaster to fill needs in that community.

This spring we’ve gained a new perspective on how important it is to reach out in solidarity and lift up our neighbors. No one wants to find themselves unable to care for a pet. With so many people out of work, it is a harsh reality that animals are some of the most vulnerable ones during these challenging times. These pet pantries want to help people keep their pets at home.

“It’s so humbling to see a grown man cry over a four-pound bag of dog food,” Montgomery says.

Open since December 26, 2019, The Pelham Pet Pantry began long before the Coronavirus hit our area.

The idea came when Montgomery was cleaning out her garage and was musing over an empty shelf with a friend. A simple question—I wonder what people do when they can’t feed their pets?— kicked off the mission. Within a few days, the pet pantry was up and running. Now, the donations take up two shelves and most of the garage floor. Anyone can message Montgomery to coordinate pick up for food, and at press time, she was in the process of setting up a drive-through pick up service in Hueytown to meet an ever-growing need in Jefferson County. Their mantra sums it up: “If you have it, give it; if you need it, take it.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF PELHAM PET PANTRY

PET PANTRIES With the heavy pressure on pantries, let’s pull together!

Donations of unopened cat and dog food are accepted at the following locations: Pelham Pet Pantry Donation Drop Off: Starbucks. 240 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL 35124 Hueytown Pet Pantry Donation Drop Off: Piggly Wiggly. 1040 River Square Plaza, Hueytown, AL 35023 Alabaster Pet Pantry Donation Drop Off: Starbucks at Alabaster.

Promenade 345 S. Colonial Drive, Alabaster, AL 35007 For more information about accessing food at The Pelham and Hueytown Pantries, visit their community Facebook pages or contact Sheila Montgomery directly at sheilamontgomery41@gmail. com or 205-965-3883. For the Alabaster Community Pet Pantry, call 205-568-7957.

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 7

F E AT U R E S TO R Y

MAKING A SPLASH

At WestRover Water Sports, soaring dogs dive and splash their way to better health.

PHOTOS BY RON BURKETT

By Jeana Durst Something really fun is happening in Westover. (Just take a look at these photos and try not to feel the excitement.) At WestRover Water Sports, dogs sail through the air at jaw-dropping heights in pursuit of a “dummy” before launching happily into the pool.

They are participating in one of the fastest-growing sports competitions for dogs: dock diving. NADD, or North America Diving Dogs, awards national titles for diving dogs that achieve excellence in speed, distance, and height; the organization works in conjunction with the AKC to recognize titles. (However, dogs do not have to be registered with the AKC to participate and all breeds and mixed breeds are welcome to this sport.)

WestRover Water Sports, owned and operated by Jennifer and her husband Dr. Jay Crisman, DVM, is Alabama’s first and currently only permanent NADD regulation dock diving facility. Open since June of 2018, the Westover facility has already hosted four NADD events and is prepping for a Wild West Themed Southern Round Up

Dock Diving event this May. (And yes, that means dogs dressed as outlaws and saloon patrons.) So as you can imagine, it’s a good time for pets and handlers alike, but the competition is also serious sport, and the health benefits are innumerable.

In addition to hosting NADD events, the Crismans, who also own and operate 280 Animal Medical Center, opened the water sports facility with the purpose of keeping pets happy and healthy. They offer swimming and dock diving lessons, water safety lessons, and even water therapy. (And the saltwater system in the pool is safe as well as good for a dog’s skin and coat.) The facility is on the same grounds as 280 Animal Medical Center, which also boasts a regulation-sized agility field. “When we walk out back during a break or after work and hear barking, splashing, and laughter from the pool and agility field, it warms our hearts and reminds us why we do what we do as vets,” Jay says.

Jennifer got the idea for the pool after seeing a mobile dock diving unit at an agility event in Columbiana but she had already been looking for an outlet for exercising her dog who had suffered a spinal cord injury.

The one to call if you are interested in learning

8 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

more about dock diving and training, Jennifer runs the pool and trains animals—and she also judges the NADD events.

In case you were wondering what those events entail: It is essentially a game of fetch, played in a swimming pool. To play, your dog needs to be in good general health and up to date on preventive care.

There is a short learning curve, and many dogs are ready to compete after only a few training sessions. Dogs compete in three categories: distance, height, and speed. At WestRover the dock is 40 feet long and 8 feet wide, so there’s plenty of room for dogs to get a running start. (Can you imagine the cuteness overload of a Papillion running this?) Divisions for the dogs classify them based on distances they can jump.

DISTANCE Dock-diving dogs are judged on the distance they can jump from the edge of the dock to where they land in the pool.

“For distance, handlers can throw anything in the pool to get the dog to jump, and the dog doesn’t necessarily have to retrieve it,” Jennifer explains. The throw toy has to float and not be edible. Would you believe that that NADD world record is 37 feet!

AIR RETRIEVE The air retrieve event is based on height using a dummy suspended 4 feet above the water, so the dog has to jump high. It’s judged by distance, however. For this event, NADD has a standardized dummy. “It’s a Nerf floating dummy made specifically for NADD,” Jennifer says.

HYDRO DASH In this event, the standardized dummy is suspended just inches above the water at

the 40-foot mark near the end of the pool, and the dog will either jump off the dock or run down the ramp to swim to retrieve the dummy and swim back to the ramp to exit the pool. For this competition, they are judged on speed.

TRAINING & EVENTS To train dogs for diving, it really helps if they are toy-motivated. “If they want to chase their toy on the ground, then most likely they will jump in the water,” Jennifer says. The best thing is that anyone can come out to an event and try the sport during their “Try It” sessions after the competitions.

Check WestRover’s calendar for one of the many events. In addition to hosting NADD sanctioned dock diving competitions like the Aloha Splash and Tailgates and Touchdowns (both NADD qualifiers), they also host dog birthday gatherings, open dock days, and private exercise sessions.

One thing is for sure, swimming with your dog is always a good idea. “Just 30 minutes of pool time provides as much benefit as more than twice that time running,” Jay says. Plus, dogs need to have a job.

“Behavior problems and obesity are two of the most common issues I see in dogs.

It may surprise you that those problems often have the same cause: inactivity, and boredom,” Jay says. Consider that studies show that lean dogs live on average two years longer than dogs with obesity. With all of these benefits and the undeniable fun that’s unleashed, dock diving is one of the fastest-growing sports for a reason.

For more information, visit @DocWestRover on Facebook or www.wildwestoverk9.com.

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 9

VET Q&A

Flea and tick prevention is one of the simplest ways to protect your pet—but only if you know your facts.

What are the most common flea and tick prevention misconceptions?

1. Inside pets do not need prevention.

False. Inside pets still go out to potty; they may have housemates that may go in and out; and their owners definitely go in and out.

2. Flea and tick shampoos are effective preventions. False.

Shampoos are only a temporary fix (they have no residual effect); therefore, a monthly/extended duration preventive should always be used.

3. Dog products can be used on the cat. False. Many of the products labeled for canines are toxic to cats. Read labels carefully and use only species-specific products. There are topical and oral preventions available for both species.

What are the early warning signs that your pet may have a flea problem?

The most common signs are (of course) Itching, but also hair loss, lethargy, fever, weight loss, abnormal bruising, pale mucus membranes, or shifting leg lameness.

What are the consequences of not properly protecting your pets?

There are several vector borne diseases transmitted to pets via fleas and ticks. Some of these are: Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis and Bartonellosis and Intestinal parasites. Tapeworms can also be transmitted to the pet via flea infestations. All of these conditions can be detrimental to the health of your dog or cat.

Are flea problems really worse in the spring and summer? Why? Yes. Milder temperatures and humidity levels make for more favorable survival and reproductive conditions for both fleas and ticks. More favorable being the key words.

That does not mean they cannot and do not exist during the fall and winter months. Prevention is recommended year-round, especially in the southeast.

THE VETERINARIAN Dr. Brandon McKim practices at Mercy Animal Hospital in Gardendale.

He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Montevallo in 2000, followed by his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 2005. Since graduation, he has spent his time in small animal practice, where he has gained a wide array of experience in medicine and surgery with a special focus on orthopedic surgery.

Dr. McKim is a native of Alabaster, Alabama, where he resides with his wife and daughters, as well as their dog, Newton and cat, Krispy.

COMING SOON! This summer, Dr. McKim and Dr. Miranda Trammell (also a Mercy Animal Hospital veterinarian) will open Kent Farms Animal Hospital, a stateof-the-art, fully equipped veterinary hospital, boarding, grooming and daycare facility. For more information, visit www. kentfarmsanimalhospital. com

10 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

F E AT U R E S TO R Y

SATURDAY IN THE PARK For more than 40 years, Do Dah Day has celebrated every type of creature under the sun.

By Jeana Durst On May 16, Birmingham will have royalty in town—pet royalty, that is. If you have a love for animals, and haven’t been to the Do Dah Day parade, then you are missing out.

Each year pet owners go to great lengths to dress up their pet in festive costumes, and the “Pet King and Queen” make their annual debut.The parade encourages entrants of all kinds, including marching bands, drill teams, synchronized dancers, mimes, clowns, decorated cars and creative floats, and anyone who wants to walk in the parade with their dog (or ferret), with a dictate to be festive. And festive it is, rivaling any New Orleans street parade. That’s just one part of the festival weekend.

Do Dah Day, Inc., is volunteer-run nonprofit whose mission is to raise funds to benefit homeless animals in the Birmingham and Jefferson County areas. We wondered how one of our city’s most beloved springtime festivals came to be a little more than 40 years ago and what we can expect from this year’s event. Do Dah Day Board Member Donna Brown-Little gave us the scoop.

HOW DID DO DAH DAY GET STATED? In 1979, a small group of friends got together and decided to have a party—or so the story goes—and Do Dah Day was born. The following years saw the party grow into an event raising money for local charities such as the Birmingham Zoo, Avondale Library, and the Alabama Theatre. With so many Do Dah Day volunteers being pet owners and animal lovers, it was a natural progression for the fundraising focus to turn to local animal charities.

HOW HAS THE FESTIVAL CHANGED OVER THE YEARS? A music festival that in its infancy was enjoyed by 200 fun-loving Birmingham citizens, now sees people from all over the United States converge on Birmingham’s Historic

Highland Avenue neighborhood. Over the years we have expanded our offerings in the park from live music only to include a children’s area and increased food and drink offerings by bringing in food trucks WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED AT THE 2020 EVENT ?

Do Dah Day occurs on May 16, 2020, and we are excited about a few changes. First, we will be holding Do Day Eve on Friday night, May 15, 2020 in Caldwell Park. Our food trucks will be open, our Do Dah Day merchandise will be for sale and we will be showing a family friendly movie on a big screen. Second, we are moving Saturday’s activities back to Caldwell Park this year and have plans to lay out the park differently so that attendees will have access to all of our sponsor, vendor, and craft booths.

We are also creating a walkable food court. Do Dah is kid friendly! We offer activities such as face painting, hair weaving, and craft making with the McWane Science Center, basketball, bungee jumping and more.

WHO ARE THE MAIN BENEFICIARIES OF THE EVENT? The recent beneficiaries of Do Dah Day have been the Great Birmingham Humane Society and Friends of Cats and Dogs. Since 1992, Do Dah Day has raised more than $1.8 million for Jefferson County animal shelters.

For more information or to volunteer to work at the event, visit www.dodahday.org.

Please be sure to confirm event details to check on potential COVID-19 related changes.

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 11

GUEST COLUMNIST | ABIGAIL WITTHAUER

PROVIDING

CANINE ENRICHMENT

Do you want to keep your dog happy, or perhaps modify an unwanted behavior?

Enrichment is key. It is defined as “making something more meaningful, substantial, or rewarding.” When we think about our dogs, it means finding something they would find naturally worthwhile and fulfilling. In other words, it is what your canine friend finds the most fun when left to his or her characteristic behavior. Most dogs find sniffing and smelling rewarding without the need to add an additional reinforcer like praise or food.

This leads to the question: What isn’t enrichment? This is dependent on each learner. For example, if your dog is wary of people or dogs, a dog park is not enriching.

A training class is not enrichment for a dog who is nervous with new situations or people. Remember, exercise is not enrichment. (And enrichment is much more important in canine behavior than exercise.)

HOW MUCH ENRICHMENT IS ENOUGH? Enrichment should be provided daily and should have variety to remain novel.

Enrichment can be as simple as stashing toys, food, or scents in your backyard and sending your dog on an adventure in their very own domain.

HOW CAN I PROVIDE ENRICHMENT? The key factor in deciding how to enrich your dog’s life is to always remember that the learner (your dog) is the one who determines what is and is not enriching.

One of my favorite ways to enrich a dog’s life is to stop feeding their regular meals out

of bowl. Get a large variety of puzzle toys, stash food inside them around the house, and let your dog search for the toys—or stash them in the backyard and let them hunt. When you first start these activities, you may need to help your dog with the hunt by encouraging and searching with them. You can help them with puzzle toys by showing them how to roll them around to release the food. It’s also good to provide special scents for your dog to sniff. A few drops of deer scent or duck scent smeared on fence posts in your backyard can provide some excellent enrichment for your canine friend.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT ENRICHMENT? Two of my favorite resources are the Facebook groups: “Canine Enrichment” and “Beyond the Bowl.” Both groups share ideas about how to make your dog’s everyday life more rewarding with things you already have in your home. The best resources in the industry right now are online courses through School of Canine Science (They have a YouTube account and website by the same name).

Providing enrichment in your dog’s everyday life can be fun, simple, and have great behavioral payoffs. For instance, an enriched dog is likely to have less unwanted species-specific behavior like hyperactivity and barking. While it is not a replacement for quality training, enrichment should always be a significant part of a behavior modification plan and developed by a qualified professional.

Abigail Witthauer owns Roverchase in Pelham, Alabama, a luxury dog training, daycare, and boarding facility. She is one of the most sought after canine behavior professionals in the Southeast and has been training animals professionally for 17 years. Abigail lives in Pelham with her spouse, a service dog Macallan, a hairless cat, a ferret, a pet pig, and several pet dogs.

12 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Jack L. Blackwood, Jr., DVM

PROTECT YOUR PETS Spring has sprung.

This means that lurking in your backyard among the beautiful plants could be some real threats to your beloved fur babies. Dr. Jack L. Blackwood, Jr., DVM, shares these images of some of the top plant offenders so you can identify possible dangers and take measures to keep your pet safe.

Dr. Blackwood, a native of Birmingham and graduate of Auburn University, was honored with The 2018 Distinguished Service Award awarded by the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. He is the co-owner of Walton County Animal Clinic in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 13

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ANIMAL WELFARE IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY The laws that protect animal welfare in Alabama are constantly being negotiated.

As a caring member of an animal loving community, what can you do? Get informed, engage with your elected officials, and be part of the vote. TheSstate Director of The Humane Society, Mindy Gilbert shared her updates from recent Alabama State Legislature sessions as they stood on March 16. Here is a summary of her insights: The issue of public policy related to protections for animals is a difficult one in Alabama. There has been an ongoing fouryear attempt to amend current protections in place. The good thing about the Cruelty to a Dog or Cat Statute (Section 13A-11-240) passed in 2000 is that the enforcers have a lot of leeway, and it actually provides a good deal of protection for cats and dogs.

But under new proposed Senate Bill 196, which is currently stalled, an officer who is investigating would be required to allow 10 days for the owners to make corrections and would have to make an appeal to the

PITSTOP PHOTOS

Agriculture Department. Also problematic is that if the commissioner of Agriculture determines the complaint to be unfounded, the complainant could be criminally charged for making the complaint. The bill, which would remove local government authority to enact laws pertaining to animals, continues to be intentionally stalled.

We need people to get involved and contact their legislators for bills that arise and engage with their legislators on issues that they care about. Prior to the current debate, a bill was defeated two years in a row that would define the type of shelter that animals should have (instead of some lean-to next to the tree they are tied to, for example). The bill was defeated both years by the lobbyists with the Montgomery-based Alabama Farmer’s Federation (part of ALFA Insurance), in spite of the fact that the bill provided a definition to a term in the existing law that pertains solely to a dog or cat, and cannot be applied to animals in production agriculture.

With every session booked, a percentage of your booking fee is donated towards a local animal shelter of preference.

email/ info@pitstopphotos.com web/ www.pitstopphotos.com

14 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

GUEST COLUMNIST | REBECCA MASON

FIND OUT SOME KEY BASICS THAT WILL HELP YOU TRAIN YOUR DOG TO COME ON COMMAND.

STUBBORN OR NOT?

By Rebecca Mason CPDT-KA, CTDI, M.Ed. “My dog is so stubborn.” I hear this more than anything else when I ask students about their training goals. But “stubborn” assumes that the dog is doing something just to spite their human—a common misconception. Dogs always have reasons for doing what they do, and it usually has nothing to do with being “stubborn” or “hard-headed.”

Your dog may not respond because he is distracted by something in his environment, or because he wasn’t looking at you when you gave him the cue; he may be tired or not feeling well, or may not be sure of what you want. Often, we assume dogs know the meaning of “come” or “stay” without having systematically taught them these cues. A ten-week-old pup who happily runs up to his owner when he or she says, “Hey puppy!” can easily turn into an eight-monthold who doesn’t respond any longer. Now that the dog has discovered the great big world, coming to someone’s beck and call isn’t as likely. The owner assumes the dog knows “come,” but the dog never fully understood the meaning, and he was never taught to come despite being distracted.

Then the dog gets labeled with the dreaded “s” word, but this is a disservice to the dog.

PHOTO COURTESY OF REBECCA MASON

Training a skill is like a staircase.The bottom step is teaching the dog what the cue means, like “come” or “stay,” with no distractions. Then you add distractions gradually, slowly moving up the staircase toward long-term reliability. However, if you add distractions, don’t add distance at the same time or the staircase will crumble.

Distance and distractions should be worked on separately before being combined.

This is why a dog who can come indoors doesn’t come away from the fence when he’s barking at a dog across the way. Pet owners try to hop from the bottom step of the staircase to the top too quickly. Always set your dog up for success, and remember this starts with reasonable expectations and systematic training, step by step.

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 15

IN PHOTOS | READING BUDDIES

For kids learning how to read, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society provides the perfect audience. Reading Buddies is a regular program available at the Homewood and Irondale Public Libraries. We visited with them at the Homewood library on Monday, February 10. For more information, visit the GBHS’s website at gbhs.org.

Photography by Leigh Ann Edmonds, Pit Stop Photos

16 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

IN PHOTOS | READING BUDDIES

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 17

SPOTLIGHT ON RESCUES

In each issue, we highlight one of the many rescue groups in Birmingham and Alabama. In this issue, let’s learn more about Adopt a Golden Birmingham.

LOCALS UNITE TO SEEK FOREVER HOMES FOR BELOVED CANINE COMPANIONS. Founded in 2012 with support from Adopt a Golden Atlanta, this Birmingham area 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescues and finds forever homes for golden retrievers and golden mixes. Their mission also includes educating the public about the importance of canine rescue in general. Operating solely with the help of a volunteer staff, they are constantly on the lookout for donors, fosters families, and volunteers. The community of Adopt a Golden Birmingham is large—a registered volunteer list of about 150 lead the charge, and 30 to 50 volunteers are active at any given time. It takes a lot of hands on deck to help find the right homes for these canine friends, regardless of medical needs or age.

Their annual fundraiser “Let’s Go for the Gold” features a live and silent auction and is held in September. Dedicated corporate supporters include Caliber Sports in Homewood, Tito’s Vodka for Dog People, and Hollywood Feed. In addition, Adopt a Golden Birmingham participates in a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, including Belk Charity Days, Barons Baseball, AGB Nights at breweries, and holiday gift wrapping at Orvis, so look for them there. Another great way to aid this cause is to share social media appeals—it’s their best bet for funding dogs with extraordinary needs.

Ruth Henry is the adoption counselor for Adopt a Golden, and she works tirelessly seven days a week to match just the right dog with just the right family. Every dog up for adoption goes through a wellness check with select veterinarians.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADOPT A GOLDEN

Vaccinations, neutering/spaying, heartworm treatment, and any medical issues are evaluated and treated. Dogs placed in their program are also evaluated for temperament with experienced dog trainers. A main goal is to place the right dog in the right home; therefore, the adoption process is thorough.

With a 12-member Board of Directors, including a retired Army colonel, several attorneys, a retired Birmingham Southern faculty member, and non-profit fundraisers, this organization has strong leadership and a vision to match.

To find out more about how to support this important mission, visit adoptagoldenbirmingham. com.

18 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

SERVICES INCLUDE: • In-home boarding & daycare • Walks • House visits

We treat your pet like our own!

@boneappetitpetcare

CALL OR TEXT US: 205/475-7802

@boneappetitpetcare

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 19

IN PHOTOS | BARKS & BREWS

Beer and dog lovers converged on Oversoul Brewing on Saturday, March 7, for Barks and Brews, a fundraiser benefiting Shelby Emergency Assistance. Patrons enjoyed beautiful weather at Helena’s newest brewery, overlooking Buck Creek in Old Town Helena. See more photos from the event at bhampets.com.

Photography by Leigh Ann Edmonds, Pit Stop Photos

20 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

IN PHOTOS | BARKS & BREWS

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 21

F E AT U R E S TO R Y

A RAPTOR RESCUE TO REMEMBER

A bald eagle survives an Alabama interstate calamity thanks to the foresight of two caring Birmingham women.

By Jeana Durst What happens when you see an injured bald eagle on the side of an Alabama interstate? If you are Cindy Wentworth and Debbie Wilson, it turns into a miraculous rescue. You may even recognize the story— their rescue mission was shared over 2,200 times on Facebook. What’s most striking, however, is the calm and compassion these two ladies exhibited. And what we as caretakers of all animals—not just dogs and cats—can learn from their experience.

On January 26, 2020, Wentworth and Wilson were on their way to Desoto State Park for a day hike, chatting in the car. From the northbound lane of I-20 somewhere between Gadsden and Fort Payne, Wentworth spotted an unusual sight: “I see something in the middle of the road eating roadkill. My first thought was, ‘oh my there’s a bird in the road,’ and then I realized he had a white head,” Wentworth says. So they turned the car around to investigate, but once they had made it to the southbound lane, the bird was gone, so they resumed their route. When they did, they spotted the bald eagle on the side of the road across the interstate, obviously injured and struggling with a hurt wing. So they whipped the car around again back to the southbound lanes. “We parked 20 feet from it—cautious because it was a raptor and we wondered how it would respond,” Wentworth says.

What they found was a fully mature bald eagle with a pretty serious injury, likely a brush with a car while he was feeding on roadkill. As the ladies tried to decide what to do, they maintained a safe distance from the eagle, who didn’t try to move. After exploring some options, they decided to call

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CINDY WENTWORTH

911. The dispatcher there connected them with Alabama Wildlife Management, who sent a ranger in their direction, but he was an hour and a half away.

During their wait, many cars passed. Only one stopped—a couple looking for a selfie with a bald eagle made a quick stop and agitated the bird, in the process. In fact, at that point, the eagle hopped from the side of the interstate into the median. “At that point, we realized it could still move but just hop,” Wentworth says. As the women moved to be near the bird, a local police officer stopped to help ensure safety. He reported that they had just recently rescued another eagle along this stretch of I-20, which is, unfortunately, known for its ample

22 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

supply of roadkill.

Responding to the new activity, the eagle now moved into the northbound lanes, at which point, Wentworth sprang into action again.

“Without even thinking, I jumped into the road and shooed it across,” she says.

She guided the bird to safety as the police officer ensured hers, and now this feisty raptor was near the tree line on the side of the northbound lanes. At that point, two rangers from neighboring counties arrived on the scene. “When they got there, the rangers got a big tarp, and the male ranger and the police officer were trying to put the tarp on it while the eagle hopped further into the tree line,” Wentworth says. It became something of a chase, with all parties trying to respect the eagle, while not losing track of him. Finally, they were able to drape the big bird in a thick tarp long enough to carry it to a cage in the truck and carefully move the tarp

away, leaving just enough on the eagle to protect him for the ride to the Southeastern Raptor Center in Auburn, where at press time, the eagle is doing well, but still being rehabilitated.

The Southeastern Raptor Center is a regional rehabilitation and education facility collaborating with Auburn’s Veterinary School of Medicine.

They provide educational programming for those interested in learning about raptors and care to birds of prey in need.

This story had a happy ending—all because these women decided to suspend their day to help an animal in need.

Wentworth and Wilson shared an unusual experience: a moment in time when humankind and wildlife collide and are able to commune through a crisis. They both agreed to dub the eagle “Champ.” But we think the real champs are these two brave ladies.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND AN INJURED BIRD OR RAPTOR The Alabama Wildlife Center with a rehabilitation center located at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham is an excellent resource for injured birds and accepts any kind of bird. It’s Alabama’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation facility, caring annually for almost 2,000 wild bird patients from more than 100 species. The Southeastern Raptor Center at the Auburn School of Veterinary Medicine is designed specifically to care for birds of prey.

Here’s advice from The Alabama Wildlife Center and the Southeastern Raptor Center about what you should do if you find a raptor in need.

•

Always wear thick leather (welding) gloves or other heavy protective clothing when attempting to handle a raptor if you can. Throw a blanket or towel over it and carefully secure the feet.

•

Raptors will use long, sharp talons to grab as their primary defense that can penetrate through skin and muscle to the bone. Some birds, such as great horned owls, vultures, or ospreys, use their beaks as defense and are prone to turning around and biting.

•

Covering the bird’s eyes helps calm it. Hold a large towel or blanket in front of you like a blind, and slowly approach the bird. Drop the towel over the bird, and (wearing welding gloves) pick it up through the covering, with the feet pointing away from you.

•

Gently grasp the bird from behind, firmly clasping the wings against the body, with the legs extended away from you. Immediately place the bird in a sturdy and appropriately sized box. (Any handling causes severe stress to the animal because the bird perceives it as a threat.)

•

Cardboard boxes make good containers because darkness calms the bird. Make sure any box size is appropriate to the size of the bird. If possible, use some kind of bedding to support the bird in the box. Draping a towel over the box will also help to buffer stress for the bird.

•

If you are closer to Birmingham, call the Alabama Wildlife Center at 205-663-7930, Ext. 2.

Reach your with — (205) 617-9609Raptor or matthew@jbmcmedia.com If you are closer to market Opelika, callusThe Southeastern Center at 334-844-6347.23

Photo CONTEST

The votes are in, and we hope you read about this issue’s Cover Photo Contest winner, Lexi, on page 3. More than 360 animals were entered in the contest, and our readers have spoken! Congratulations to our winner and runnersup, and to all who entered, thank you!

FIRST RUNNER-UP Danger, Pinson Danger is a 1-year old, rescued Rottweiler mix from Pinson.

She loves runnig in the woods, splashing in ponds, and listening for the lid of the treat jar. In her spare time, she shares her boundless energy as the spokesdog of Barking Bee Coffee, a local coffee roasting company.

SECOND RUNNER-UP Sophie and Luna, Mountain Brook Luna and Sophie, from Mountain Brook, are two beautiful English Cream Golden Retrievers. They are sisters who love each other very much. They can play with each other often because their owners are sisters who live on the same street!

Hank Helena

Pud Leeds

Olly Alabaster

Cody, Marley, Sage and Casper, Leeds

K9 Niko Hoover

Jonesy Cropwell

Dex Homewood

Bennie Birmingham

Rudy Leeds

Mole Homewood

24 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

COVER PHOTO CONTEST | SPRING 2020

Cozmoe Oneonta

Beau Springville

Shelby Columbiana

Buggie and Oscar Homewood

Walker WonderDog Kimberly

Arlie Ray Columbiana

Miller Birmingham

Izzabelle Jacksonville

Eli Centreville

JoJo Bessemer

Maddie Birmingham

Waylon Hoover

Bluto Hueytown

River and Calypso Hoover

Walter Birmingham

Sammie Vestavia Hills

Ed Helena

MC Hoover

Harley Helena

Bailee Ann Hoover

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 25

COVER PHOTO CONTEST | SPRING 2020

Scout Vestavia Hills

Maverick Leeds

Hambone Helena

Nash Helena

Ruby Helena

Luna Pinson

Johnny Homewood

Jalen Layne Fultondale

Carter Helena

Ezekiel Sylacauga

Grover Vestavia Hills

Spencer Helena

Ruby, Murphy, Magnolia, Laila, and Captain, Homewood

Buddy Homewood

Dixie Lou Trussville

Hazel Leeds

Yampa Vestavia Hills

Saban Odenville

Deuce Helena

Paco Helena

26 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

COVER PHOTO CONTEST | SPRING 2020

Mr. Bodhi Helena

Whiskers Alabaster

Barcli Trussville

Riley Hoover

Aubrey Calera

Tunechi Homewood

Izzy Cane Trussville

Lulu Pelham

Chica Lulu and Nacho Pelham

Oliver Birmingham

Millie Marie Mount Olive

Hazel Chelsea

Faolan Mountain Brook

Ellie Hoover

“Bentley” Bear Gardendale

Willow, Willie, Amp and Bruno, Alabaster

Theta May Homewood

Waylon Pelham

Shannie Gardendale

Pete Birmingham

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 27

COVER PHOTO CONTEST | SPRING 2020

Cooper Birmingham

Riggs Helena

Ava Jane and Joe Cocker Helena

Luna Trussville

Harper Daisy Helena

Griffey Leeds

Clover Chelsea

Charlie, Harley, and Max Helena

Sister Vestavia Hills

Ryder Vestavia Hills

Luka Vestavia Hills

Cotton Vestavia Hills

Busy and Major Vestavia Hills

The Gunz Bessemer

Tat Birmingham

Sophie Birmingham

Louie Chelsea

Hachi Trussville

Cocoa Leeds

Palmer Birmingham

28 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

COVER PHOTO CONTEST | SPRING 2020

Allie Trussville

Zoey Trussville

Tikka Gardendale

Ollie, Zeke, and Nala Homewood

Noah Helena

Mr. Bentley Gardendale

Maple Gardendale

Logan Vestavia Hills

Ketch Hayden

Geoffrey Leeds

We’re looking for our next cover model!

Is your pet worthy of being on the next cover of Bham Pets? Submit your best photo and let our readers decide! Visit bhampets.com and click on “Cover Photo Contest” to enter. Then, make sure you “like” us on Facebook so you can keep up with everything you need to know as the contest moves from submissions to voting to announcing our winner!

Fall 2019

VOLUME

19

20 mmer

Su

Spring 2020

1 | ISSUE

VOLUME 2

1 | ISSUE

4

Winter 2020

VOLUME 1 | ISSUE

UE 1

| ISS ME 1

3

VOLU

MEETGRA OU

CIE

R COVER M OD PAGE 3

Mutt TT

STRPAUGE 22

PetTEST CON PAGE

8

Ca and COFts FEE PAGE 16

EL

A match made in Montevallo PAGE 10

MEET LEX

OUR

MEET

COVE MODEL A Ha lf AN10

I,

PAGE 3

PET PA

PAGE 3

ntuLryCAofRE CeIMA

COVE

MODEL R

ISER, OU R OUR

A match made in PINSON

NTRIES PROVIDING COVID-19 RELIEF PAGE 7

A Dramatic Bald Eagle Rescue PAGE 22

PAGE 14

PAGE

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 29

LOCAL SERVICES FOR YOUR ANIMAL

ADOPTION

THE PAMPERED PET RESORT SHELBY HUMANE 381 McDow Road, Columbiana AL 35051 / 205.669.3916 / shelbyhumane.org

2193 Parkway Lake Drive, Hoover AL 35244 / 205.397.3197 / thepamperedpetresort.com

FLEA AND TICK CONTROL BOARDING

ROVERCHASE 224 Commerce Parkway, Pelham AL 35124 / 205.332.0203 / roverchase.com

VULCAN TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL 115 Commerce Drive, Pelham AL 35124 / 205.663.4200 / vulcantermite.com

HOME SERVICES BONE APPETIT 205.475.7802 / facebook.com/ boneappetitpetcare

ISSIS & SONS FLOORING 2858 Pelham Parkway, Pelham AL 35124 / 205.663.2310 / issisandsons.com

THE PAMPERED PET RESORT 2193 Parkway Lake Drive, Hoover AL 35244 / 205.397.3197 / thepamperedpetresort.com

DOGGY DAYCARE

ROVERCHASE

2815 Greystone Commercial Blvd, Hoover AL 35242 / 205.981.2311 / issisandsons. com

VULCAN TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL 115 Commerce Drive, Pelham AL 35124 / 205.663.4200 / vulcantermite.com

NONPROFITS

224 Commerce Parkway, Pelham AL 35124 / 205.332.0203 / roverchase.com SHELBY HUMANE BONE APPETIT

381 McDow Road, Columbiana AL 35051 / 205.669.3916 / shelbyhumane.org

205.475.7802 / facebook.com/ boneappetitpetcare 30 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

LOCAL SERVICES FOR YOUR ANIMAL

PET CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS

TRAINING

DOGWATCH OF CENTRAL ALABAMA

LOVE THEM TRAIN THEM

205.907.6262 / dogwatchofcentralal.com

Lovethemtrainthem.com

PHOTOGRAPHY ROVERCHASE

224 Commerce Parkway, Pelham AL 35124 / 205.332.0203 / roverchase.com PIT-STOP PHOTOS 205.514.3377 / pitstopphotos.com

VETERINARIANS

STATIONARY

PRINTSWELL petspw.com

VETCARE OF CALERA

100 Hampton Drive, Suite J, Calera AL 35040 / 205.907.6262 / vetcareofcalera. com

Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 31

205-907-6262

www.DogWatchOfCentralAL.com

32 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com