Bham Pets - Winter 2020

Winter 2020

VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 3

MEET

OUISER, OUR

COVER MODEL

PAGE 3

A Half

Century of

ANIMAL CARE PAGE 10

A match made in PINSON PAGE 14

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

PITSTOP PHOTOS

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

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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!

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Bone Appetit DogWatch of Central Alabama

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Issis & Sons

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Love Them Train Them

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McWane Science Center

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Pit Stop Photos

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Printswell

11

Roverchase

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Sassy Swimmers VetCare of Calera

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Vulcan Termite & Pest Control

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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. 14,000 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.

BHAM PETS BHAMPETS.COM

MEET OUR COVER MODEL Ouiser (pronounced wee-zur) is a 2-yearold Schnese (Havanese / Miniature Schnauzer) living in Alabaster with her mama, Andrea. She earned her decidedly southern double name—Ouiser Rabbit— by hopping around as a puppy. Spunky, loyal and loving, Ouiser is named after Ouiser Boudreaux from “Steel Magnolias.”

Ouiser most enjoys visits from her grandparents, opening gifts from her Aunt Karen and fetching her toy raccoon.

She loves riding in her carseat with the windows down, adores peanut butter and cheese, and is learning to ring a bell rather than tear up her mama’s paperbacks.

Want to see your pet on the cover of our spring edition? Turn to page 23 to read about our Pet Photo Contest!

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P U B L I S H E R ’ S

I

n December, my family celebrated our first child’s 11th birthday. Of course, by “first child” I mean our oldest dog, Bailey. You may remember her, as she was the cover model for our first issue back in July.

She is a black and white German Shorthaired Pointer, and she’s been with us for all but the first eight weeks of her life, before we had our now-6- and 9-year-old children. To make December more exciting, we also celebrated our Labrador retriever, Rosie’s, 2nd birthday.

What a month it was, and it served as a strong reminder about what we want to do with Bham Pets. We want to celebrate animals and what they mean to us. They’re part of our story, and they share so much with us.

N O T E

They see us as we are, yet they give us something that so few of us can give: unconditional love.

In this, our third issue, we welcome new advertising sponsors, VetCare of Calera, Dog Watch of Central Alabama, and Love Them Train Them. Along with our other sponsors, I give them my thanks for making this magazine a reality. Please... support them, so that we can support you!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your ideas with me by email at matthew@ jbmcmedia.com.

Matthew Allen Publisher and Chief Animal Lover

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We treat your pet like our own!

• In-home boarding • Daycare • Walks • House visits

@boneappetitpetcare @boneappetitpetcare CALL OR TEXT US: 205/475-7802

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GUEST COLUMNIST | ABIGAIL WITTHAUER

Home

FOR THE

Howlidays I start to get a little giddy around the beginning of December. One of the great joys of my career is that I know, come January, I will have oodles and oodles of puppies at my dog training facility, Roverchase, in Pelham. Here are a few tips for how to make your new canine friend the most successful in your home after the holidays. If each and every one of my clients followed these tips, we would all have a much more peaceful New Year!

(Disclaimer: This article is not meant to discuss the pros and cons of bringing a new family member into your home as a holiday gift. There are many resources on whether this is a responsible choice for your family. This article is to help you make good choices once you have already decided to bring a new dog home for the holidays.)

MAKE A FOREVER HOME The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends that every dog, regardless of age, be enrolled immediately in positive reinforcement classes. This increases the likelihood of dogs staying in their new home by 80 percent.

Ideally, enroll your dog in classes before you bring your new dog home. Classes with a reputable positive reinforcement trainer should be as important to your supply list as food bowls, toys, and a veterinarian visit.

Photo courtesy of Abigail Witthauer

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN The American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior, the Pet Professional Guild, The ASPCA, and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers—among many others—all firmly recommend that puppies begin a Puppy Kindergarten group class immediately upon adoption regardless of their age or vaccine status (as long as they have had at least 1 DHPP vaccine).

FIND A GOOD TRAINER Remember that the use of intimidation, force, or fear is against the most basic ethical standards of dog training and behavior as set forth by the American Animal Hospital Association. For a great article about how to choose a dog trainer, visit this link: https://bit.ly/2M9xx9M. FIND A GOOD VET Ask your breeder, rescue, or shelter for veterinarian recommendations. Also, ask friends and family for referrals. Take your pet in for a New Pet Check appointment within 72 hours of bringing him or her home.

Bringing home a new four-legged family member is a big decision not to be taken lightly. When planned for and chosen responsibly, a holiday hound can be a wonderful gift that brings your family joy for many years. I wish each and every one of you a lovely holiday and a peaceful new year!

Abigail Witthauer owns Roverchase in Pelham, Alabama, a luxury dog training, daycare, and boarding facility. She is one of the most certified canine behavior professionals in the Southeast and has been training animals professionally for 17 years. Abigail lives in Pelham with her spouse, Service Dog Macallan, pet dogs, hairless cat, ferret, and pet pig. Follow her on social media at @Mac.and.Abi. 6 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com

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Festivals. Adoption Events.

And so much more.

Upload your events for FREE! bhampets.com/events

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GUEST COLUMNIST | MEREDITH DEMPSEY

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF SHELTER PETS, ONE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM AT A TIME

FILLING IN THE GAP

By Meredith Dempsey CPDT-KA Photo courtesy of Shelby Humane

As both a trainer and shelter worker, I am passionate about the welfare of shelter animals. I have learned firsthand that a kennel environment doesn’t allow dogs to express normal behaviors. The inability to express these behaviors is frustrating, so as dogs grow more desperate in their desire to interact with their environment, their expressive behaviors become more exaggerated and they become what’s called “kennel crazy.”

Because of the demand to meet dogs’ physical needs, shelters often neglect addressing dogs’ emotional and mental needs. However, when a shelter dog’s quality of life can directly affect the likelihood of euthanasia due to poor behavior, it makes sense to be more equitable in how much time, effort, and dollars shelters invest in behavioral health.

Kennel craziness can happen quickly. Once present, it is hard to reverse. Shelters need to be proactive, not reactive, by providing dogs with regular enrichment opportunities.

Shelby Humane offers two enrichment programs to shelter dogs that alleviate kennel stress. The programs are led by me, along with Anthony Rodriguez of Love Them Train Them, LLC.

Pet training with passion.

The first program is WoofPack, an obedience class that teaches dogs that sitting or lying down gets them the attention they crave. These behaviors translate beautifully to the kennel, where former “kennel crazy” dogs offer to sit or lay when they see something they want instead of jumping, barking, or scaring off potential adopters.

The second program is a Nose Work class where dogs are asked to sniff out food in containers. This program caters to shy dogs that need confidence and stressed dogs that need help decompressing. Both classes are taught using positive reinforcement training methods.

If you are interested in helping to enrich the lives of dogs at Shelby Humane, email meredith@lovethemtrainthem.com.

lovethemtrainthem.com

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F E AT U R E S TO R Y

HALF A CENTURY Columbiana vet continues to share knowledge, love

By Lauren Dowdle Photos by Catherine Cousins His patients might say “thanks” with tail wags and wet kisses, but Dr. Charles Thornburg wouldn’t have it any other way. The veterinarian has been working at his practice, Shelbiana Animal Clinic in Columbiana, for 50 years — though his career path wasn’t always so clear.

“I was early in school and playing around a little too much,” Thornburg says of his time at Auburn University. “My dad said, ‘You’re going to have to buckle down and do something that you’d like to do to make a good living.’”

Thornburg had grown up around cattle, cats and dogs out in the country and enjoyed taking care of them. His dad suggested he go into veterinary medicine, so that’s just what he did. However, he did face a few hurdles, mainly organic chemistry.

It was the one course he lacked to get into veterinary school. The night before the final, Thornburg told himself there was no way he could learn all of the materials before the test and went to bed. His roommate pulled him

At the beginning of his career, some of his customers were people who had gone to school with his parents, and some were ones he graduated with. Now, he’s serving those people’s grandchildren.

off of the bed into the floor and told him he was going to watch him study all night so that he could get into veterinary school. Luckily, his friend’s efforts worked, and he passed the class.

After graduation, Thornburg interned in Florida for six months. But with five generations of his family being from Columbiana, he knew that was home. So, he moved back to open a veterinary clinic.

Thornburg bought a lot at the intersection of Old Hwy. 25 and Hwy. 25 for $12,000, paying just $25/month with no interest.

There were two other vets in Shelby County at the time his office opened in October 1969.

But, they later went out of business, making Thornburg’s practice now the oldest in the county.

He has staff members who have worked

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with him for decades, as well as an associate who has been there for 15 years. With a practice that spans half a century, Thornburg has seen medicines and treatments evolve. While he says he’s seen some amazing animals through the years and has enjoyed making their lives better, his favorite part has been the interactions with people.

At the beginning of his career, some of his customers were people who had gone to school with his parents, and some were ones he graduated with. Now, he’s serving those people’s grandchildren.

“It’s been extremely rewarding,” Thornburg says.

When he isn’t in the office or spending time with his grandchildren, Thornburg can be found in the dance studio. He’s been taking ballroom dance lessons for 16 years and also dances a few nights each week.

“I’m enjoying life,” he says. “I’ve been so marvelously blessed with good health.”

That’s helped keep him going for five decades at his practice, and Thornburg isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

“I’m going to keep working for the time being.

It’s been a great profession,” he says. “I have a lot of knowledge, and to not use that knowledge is a waste.”

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I N P H OTO S | D O G D AYS O F B I R M I N G H A M | O C T. 2 7 2 0 1 9

On October 27, pets and their handlers dressed the part for Halloween at Dog Days of Birmingham downtown! As part of REV Birmingham’s “Upswing” effort to prove and improve downtown Birmingham’s retail market, this event drew dozens of participants.

Special thanks to Sue Sims Johnson for sharing photos from the event.

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I N P H OTO S | D O G D AYS O F B I R M I N G H A M | O C T. 2 7 2 0 1 9

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A M ATC H M A D E I N

PINSON

PUR-FECT ADDITION

Visitors come from all over to see Socks, the library cat

By Lauren Dowdle P hotos courtesy of Allison Scanlan, Pinson Public Library There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book for a catnap, which is literally what Socks does every day, thanks to one family’s love for animals.

During the fall of 2015, Pinson city councilor Robbie Roberts’s wife and daughter were driving down Tapawingo Road and spotted kittens that had been dumped, says Allison Scanlan, director of the Pinson Public Library.

“The Roberts family loves cats, so they rescued all six kittens,” Scanlan says.

After caring for the cats for a few weeks, they brought them by the library, hoping to find them homes. Scanlan says the library

director at the time, April Wallace, had talked about having a library cat.

“Of the kittens, Socks was the most laidback and friendly, so we tentatively made plans for him to be our new library cat,” Scanlan says. “In January 2016, we decided to let him stay at the library for a few days to see how he felt about being there — and he’s been at the library ever since.”

While library pets have become popular across the country, Socks is the first one for the Pinson Library. Patrons got to help name the new addition during a voting contest and chose Socks, although his full name is Socrates Prints Hugo.

“Socks won because he looks just like the illustration of ‘Socks’ from the Beverly Cleary book, and he has white feet,” Scanlan says.

“Socks is short for Socrates — since he’s a

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highly educated cat.”

Not only is he smart, but Socks is also laid back, likes people and is always up for a good cuddle, Scanlan says. “Sometimes, if patrons stay in the library for a while, he will want to catnap on or near them,” she says.

“Most people, especially children, are very excited to see Socks. Many people ask specifically to see him when they visit the library,” she says.

If anyone is scared of or allergic to cats, Socks will spend time in his room or Scanlan’s office during their visit. But even some who have been afraid of cats in the past have really warmed up to him.

“Socks has a lot of fans,” Scanlan says. “Some people drive from other parts of the county to use our library just to see Socks.”

She says he’s met people from Illinois, Kentucky and Virginia who were visiting the area and made a point to come see him. He even has his own Facebook page, Socks the Library Cat. “We love being known as the cat library,” Scanlan says. “Several people have told us they were having a bad day or dealing with struggles, and spending time with Socks helps them to feel better.

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 Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue.

When and how did Kitty Kat Haven start?

Kitty Kat Haven started a little over three years ago, in mid-2016.

It was formed as a result of people from a number of other rescues deciding to form their own group.

Who are some of the key members of your rescue organization? Rita Bowman, Charlie Starr, Brenda Taylor, and Kim Tyler are all heavily involved, and there are many others.

How can someone volunteer with Kitty Kat Haven? One the biggest needs is foster homes for cats waiting to be adopted.

Visit our website, kittykathavenrescue.org, and click on “foster” to read all the details about what is involved and to fill out a foster application form. We also have volunteer opportunities on an ongoing basis; click on “volunteer” on our website for details on what opportunities we have.

Do you have a fundraiser or event you’d like to promote? There isn’t a big fundraiser at the moment, but we have a number of them throughout the year. Follow our Facebook page [@kittykathavenrescue] to stay in the know.

How can people learn more about Kitty Kat Haven? Visit our website at kittykathavenrescue.org; find us on Facebook or Instagram; or call us at (205) 302-8883.

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I N P H OTO S | P E T S AT C H R I S T M A S

Sometimes, our pets are dressed more festively than we are around Christmastime.

We asked our readers on Facebook to share photos of their furry friends dressed up for the holidays. Here are some of our favorites!

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I N P H OTO S | P E T S AT C H R I S T M A S

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Photo

CONTEST

The votes are in, and we hope you read about this issue’s Cover Photo Contest winner, Ouiser, on page 3. More than 50 animals were entered in the contest, and our readers have spoken! Congratulations to our winner and runners-up, and to all who entered, thank you!

FIRST RUNNER-UP Penny, Trussville Penny is a 1 year old Wirehaired Pointing Griffon from Trussville.

She loves Cheerios, balls, snuggling, chasing rabbits and playing with her friends, both human and dog. She is so loving, smart and sometimes stubborn, but is a joy to her family.

SECOND RUNNER-UP Midnight Rider, North Shelby Midnight Rider was born outside Boulder, CO in 2009, the only male in a litter of females and the sweetest kitten alive. In 2015 he relocated to Birmingham, where he met his new kid pal, Chance. Unfortunately Chance is a human and Rider believes he’s a dog. Regardless of the disconnect, Rider is emotionally stable enough to realize he’s slimmed down to just 16 pounds (from his college weight of 22), and cannot sit still for any movie... much less all the Disney flicks he’s subjected to at home. Cats, dogs, kids and us grown ups, living in harmony.

Athena Hoover

Atlas Hoover

Bacon Birmingham

Balto Hayden

Baxter Wilsonville

Benji Birmingham

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COVER PHOTO CONTEST | WINTER 2020

Casper Remlap

CoCo Bear Montevallo

Cooper Birmingham

Daisy Birmingham

Dixie Tuscaloosa

Domino Birmingham

Domino Mt Laurel

Evie Alabaster

Fancy Girl Montevallo

Fessy Lou Calera

Flower Alabaster

Jacques Cousteau Hoover

Joplin Alabaster

Kukla North Shelby

Lady Vestavia Hills

Lulu Chelsea

Malibu Chelsea

Mason Birmingham

Max Chelsea

Max and Rebel Hoover

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COVER PHOTO CONTEST | WINTER 2020

Meowie Pelham

Mia Vestavia Hills

Molly Jemison

Mouse Birmingham

Nala Chelsea

Ollie Calera

Paisley Lake View

Patton Mountain Brook

Peggy Sue and Tori Grace Hoover

Quasar Alabaster

Roger Mt Laurel

Ruby Louise Chelsea

Sawyer Hoover

Shelby Wilsonville

Stella Chelsea

Storm and Steven Alabaster

Whiskey Hoover

Willie and Delilah Homewood

Winter Wilsonville

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LOCAL SERVICES FOR YOUR ANIMAL

ADOPTION

ENTERTAINMENT

SHELBY HUMANE

MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER

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

200 19th Street North, Birmingham AL 35203 / 205.714.8300 / mcwane.org

BOARDING

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

FLEA AND TICK CONTROL

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

DOGGY DAYCARE

ROVERCHASE

2858 Pelham Parkway, Pelham AL 35124 / 205.663.2310 / issisandsons.com 2815 Greystone Commercial Blvd, Hoover AL 35242 / 205.981.2311 / issisandsons. com

224 Commerce Parkway, Pelham AL 35124 / 205.332.0203 / roverchase.com VULCAN TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL BONE APPETIT 205.475.7802 / facebook.com/ boneappetitpetcare

115 Commerce Drive, Pelham AL 35124 / 205.663.4200 / vulcantermite.com

HYDROTHERAPY

SASSY SWIMMERS 205.531.5838 / sassyswimmers.com

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LOCAL SERVICES FOR YOUR ANIMAL

NONPROFITS

MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER 200 19th Street North, Birmingham AL 35203 / 205.714.8300 / mcwane.org

SWIMMING LESSONS

SASSY SWIMMERS 205.531.5838 / sassyswimmers.com

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

PET CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS

LOVE THEM TRAIN THEM

Lovethemtrainthem.com

ROVERCHASE DOGWATCH OF CENTRAL ALABAMA

205.907.6262 / dogwatchofcentralal.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

PIT-STOP PHOTOS 205.514.3377 / pitstopphotos.com

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

VETERINARIANS

VETCARE OF CALERA

205.907.6262 / vetcareofcalera.com

STATIONARY

PRINTSWELL petspw.com

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Photo

CONTEST

Bham Pets wants to feature your furry family member on our next cover in April. Enter your pet’s photo, and he or she might be our next cover model.

Here’s how to enter: 1. Share your photo. Visit bhampets.com and click on “Cover Photo Contest.” Follow the instructions to upload your photo. BE SURE to read the “Rules and Prizes” section to make certain your photo will work, in case it wins! You will need to create an account on our site in order to submit your photo.

2. Stay connected. We’ll add you to our email list so that you’ll receive updates on when voting has begun.

3. Be social. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more information on the contest, and to share details on the contest with your friends so they can vote for your little ball of cuteness.

4. Tell us more! If your pet is chosen as the winner, we’ll reach out to you to conduct a quick interview to learn more about your pet, and we’ll introduce your pet to our readers with a short article inside the magazine. 1st and 2nd runners up will also be recognized with a short paragraph. And, all photos submitted in our contest will be printed inside the magazine.

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205-907-6262

www.DogWatchOfCentralAL.com

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