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FROM HOME WHAT TO KNOW WHEN BOARDING YOUR DOG FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CAT CHAT!

TIPS FOR GETTING DRESSED BY YOUR HUMAN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

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PET PHOTO

CONTEST WINNERS!

6 PET TIPS

FOR FIRST TIME DOG BOARDERS

7 CAT CHAT

WITH PRETTY PRETTY PRINCESS MEOW MEOW JAWSY JAWS

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2315 N. Causeway Blvd.

Metairie, LA 70001 Leading Specialty Healthcare for Pets

504.835.8508

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Main Hospital (24-hour emergency) • 101 Metairie Road • 504-835-4266 Kenner • 4041 Williams Blvd. • 504-443-4400 Lakeview • 734 Robert E. Lee Blvd. • 504-830-4080 West Esplanade • 5040 W Esplanade Ave., Metairie • 504-455-2345 Freret • 4525 Freret St. • 504-830-4095 Marigny • 1009 Elysian Fields Ave. • 504-372-2950

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504-949-1525 • NOLABARKMARKET.COM NEW ORLEANS GIFTS • LOCAL ARTISTS & DESIGNERS The Inner Pup (TIP) is a local 501c3 organization focusing on prevention to improve animal welfare. TIP fills a vacuum in animal welfare, that large open space between the shelters and rescues, and the community of at risk pet owners.

TIP has hosted pop-up Heartworm Prevention clinics in under-resourced areas every single month, for the last 6 years! TIP educates; pet owners need to know that Heartworm Disease is preventable, yet fatal if it’s untreated.

If pet owners cannot afford veterinarians they have no access to prescription medicine; heartworm prevention is by prescription only.

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Special thanks to our 30 regular volunteers, 3 blood draw teams, two vets at each clinic, and YOU, for making what we do possible!

www.theinnerpup.org

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NERVOUS ABOUT BOARDING YOUR DOG FOR THE HOLIDAYS? EXPERTS WEIGH IN WITH TIPS TO EASE ANXIETY

BY SARAH RAVITS Although most dog owners want to be around their fluffy friends 24/7, sometimes holiday travel can get in the way of the nonstop cuddles.

Dog owners — especially newer ones — may be anxious about leaving their pets behind while they travel, but local experts have tips to ease those worries and make sure the hounds have a cheery holiday season even in the absence of their favorite human companions.

An increasing number of local boarding facilities offer upscale amenities, fun activities, and staffers who are dedicated to making sure the pets are receiving the best care. So while

you’re bound to miss your dog, there’s comfort in knowing they’re getting some TLC. Hannah Godel, assistant manager of Camp Bow Wow, says dogs who board there are under constant supervision and are well-socialized. They spend very little time in kennels — apart from mealtime and naps — and instead spend most of their time romping around and making new canine friends.

“All of our dogs play together, so that helps them throughout the day,” she says. “There are always counselors around, and we do individual enrichment programs with the dogs, like snuggle time and playing ball.”

Most local boarding facilities want to meet the dog in advance to make sure their temperament is suitable for socializing.

Jessica Padilla, general manager at Canine Connection, says setting up a meeting in advance also helps ease concerns not just for the dogs, but for the owners. She also recommends doing a trial run by dropping off the dog for a few hours or an overnight stay to help the dog become familiar with the new surroundings before a longer stay.

Godel agrees there is value to meeting dogs in advance. “We just want them to come in and

be sure they are comfortable in our facility,” she says. “Our main concern is for everybody to be safe and happy.”

Both Padilla and Godel point out that web cameras give dog owners a huge sense of relief knowing they can check in on their pet from afar, anytime.

“There are many facilities that offer webcams and video monitoring services,” Padilla says.

“That always helps with firsttime boarders so they can see what their dogs are doing.”

Even the most well-adjusted pet can sometimes experience a little anxiety due to a disrupted routine. Padilla recommends bringing extra “food incentives” because dogs often show stress by not eating.

“We ask our clients if there are any additional tricks or things to add to the dog’s food in case they are hesitant about their meals,” she says. “High value” treats can include rotisserie chicken, peanut butter or dinner scraps.

She also recommends sending the pet to the facility with a T-shirt, blanket or other comforting item that contains the “scent of home” to keep with them in their boarding space.

It depends on the facility, but Canine Connection, for example, allows clients to bring toys and bedding from home, and staffers set these items up in the boarding space to make it feel homey.

Of course, while plenty of pups love to play and socialize with other animals, there are instances where dogs shouldn’t be boarded and might be better off at home with an individual sitter.

If the pet has behavioral issues or is extremely stressed by new surroundings, Padilla says, they might recommend doing athome pet care instead.

“If a dog isn’t super friendly with different people or is really stressed out by other dogs, then at-home pet care might be a better option so they aren’t put in a stressful situation,” she says. “Every dog is different, so it takes a minute to figure out what the best set up is.”

If there’s any uncertainty, Padilla says, just ask.

“I always recommend if someone is unsure, or is new to pet ownership or new to a facility, just call and ask questions,” she says. “People call us and say, ‘I have a silly question.’ But there’s never a silly question, and that’s what we’re here for.”

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CHAT w i th

PHOTO BY J O H N S TA N T O N

PRETTY PRETTY PRINCESS MEOW MEOW JAWSY JAWS Dear Pretty Pretty Princess Meow Meow Jawsy Jaws,

It’s Christmas time, and my human Hailee has bought yet another rack of “festive” outfits for me to wear. Every year, we have this argument: She thinks I look “cute” and “adorbs” while I maintain I look like a Golden Retriever in a Santa hat. Otherwise, we have a great relationship, based on mutual snacking and snuggles.

Can you weigh in on this and put this fight to rest, once and for all?

Yours, Brett Wigglesbottom Boudreaux VII

My Dearest Brett,

I have avoided the contentious issue of Pets In Human Clothes for most of my long and storied career as a human behavioral

advice columnist, mostly since the infamous Staples vs. Glue Antler Fiasco of Christmas 1987.

The Gerbil Guild still maintains a protest presence outside my litter box over that one.

Still, you’re not the only member of Furry Friend Nation to come to me with this dilemma, so I suppose it’s time to address it. Here goes.

The truth is, it all depends on the species. Cats, for instance are a refined, regal species. The Goddess endowed us with natural beauty and flair, such that adornment is not only unnecessary but an afront to her divine nature. In fact, a little-known fact in pet history is that the original Inquisition was a direct result of Madrid fish monger Diego Flores dressing his cat as a Torera.

Of course, that’s not to say cats can’t wear clothes. We can make any fit look good, after all.

But on the whole, it’s a no no.

Unless it is a top hat and monocle or if you are cosplaying as Appa from Avatar, in which case both are acceptable.

Reptiles and birds can wear hats, sunglasses and — under certain circumstances — taste-

Dear Pretty Pretty Princess Meow Meow Jawsy Jaws,

Buddy The Laser Cat aka Treat Boy aka Handsome Friend keeps stealing tortillas, bagels, and other food off my counter.

Recently a neighbor told me that he snuck into her house, stole a piece of steak from off her plate and dashed off with it. What can I do to stop him?

Sarah Ravits (human)

My Dearest Sarah,

First of all, I normally don’t reply to letters from humans. I am on record opposing the very idea of teaching you how to read and write to begin with, and I frankly find the entire idea that you, a largely hairless biped, would deign to address me directly to be insulting.

However, I feel compelled to weigh in on this subject, especially since this is the Human Holiday Season, and you clumsy fools will have loads of snacks on your tables, counters, hands and mouths.

So, what to do about Buddy’s penchant for “stealing” snacks?

Perhaps you should consider it from another angle. Perhaps you should meditate on what you, his human, have done wrong that has forced this lovely prince of a feline to actively take what is his by right? Maybe it’s time for you to really think about how you have failed Buddy so completely he finds himself having wants in the first place, and not having them proactively catered to?

Somebody is definitely getting a piece of litter box coal in their stocking this year, that I can tell you.

P H O T O B Y S A R A H R AV I T S

Wherever Buddy wants to be, it’s his place.

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CAT

ful piercings. Outfits for small mammals should UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES INVOLVE STAPLES OR GLUE. TRUST ME ON THIS ONE. As for dogs, well, this is a complicated question. Some scholars, including the Fashion Institute’s Prof. Rough Paul, suggest pets insist on outfits and styles with lots of zazz. Think plenty of sparkle, bright colors, and audacious cuts.

Others argue that given the clumsy, slovenly and generally goofy nature of canines, any outfits should be utilitarian and stain resistant. So, for instance, one of those weird barrels of whiskey hung around your neck.

Or L.L. Bean.

Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with dressing dogs.

Your lack of meaningful self-respect means almost no matter what your human puts on you, you’ll drool and wiggle happily. The possibilities for canine sartorial enjoyment are endless.

Chihuahua in a three-piece suit?

Yes, please! Mastiff in a tiny glittery tutu? Absolutely! Black Lab in a Santa suit, complete with beard? LOVE IT! Bottom line, my dear Brett, is that you’re a dog. You’ll look adorable and cute in whatever Hailee or any other human puts you in, so instead of resisting it, I say lean into it. Add some glitter, a bright feather boa and have some fun!

MAIN HOSPITAL

Metairie Small Animal Hospital 101 Metairie Road Metairie, LA 70005

504-835-4266

24/7 Emergency at our main hospital Accidents, injuries and illnesses never take into account time of day. While some situations can wait until the next morning or business day, others require immediate attention. This is why we offer emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Kenner Clinic

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4041 Williams Blvd.

734 Robert E. Lee Blvd.

5040 West Esplanade Avenue

Kenner, LA 70065

New Orleans, LA 70124

Metairie, LA 70006

504-443-4400

504-830-4080

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4525 Freret Street

1009 Elysian Fields Avenue

New Orleans, LA 70115

New Orleans, LA 70117

504-830-4095

504-372-2950