November 2016

The Definitive Source for Houston Pet Lovers | November 2016

HUMANE TREATMENT

the seminal issue of Farm animal welfare

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DON’T LET OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN

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Has trouble getting up from a resting position

Is reluctant to run, play or climb stairs

Has gained weight in the past year

Limps or appears stiff after exercise

Inflammation in the joints causes pain and cartilage damage which can lead to stiffness and decreased mobility.

Ask your veterinarian to evaluate your dog’s joints today.

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AT VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS, WE CARE

NOVEMBER 2016

Editorial

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Issue 10: Volume 16 www.houstonpettalk.com

oes the life of an animal

words resonated deeply with me and I

about how to use our dollars to end

matter? Do they deserve

began to really think about the issue of

abuse, the better society will be so I

kindness and respect?

livestock, research animals, and even

hope you find this feature story infor-

fur trade animals.

mative and maybe habit changing...or

Should we be their stewards or, because we have superior reason-

In addition to giving a vegetarian

even life changing.

ing and capabilities, do we have the

diet a try, I also decided to publish an

right to treat them however we want

issue about humane treatment of all

thanks for our blessings and bounty.

to serve our own purposes? These are

animals, not just domestic pets. My

PetTalk has had another amazing year

questions for all of mankind, not just

goal is not to preach vegetarianism or

of reaching more and more readers

our society or our generation. The

veganism, but to open the minds of

and spreading the word of respon-

treatment of animals has been a topic

others about the abuses these animals

sible pet care and for that, I am very

of dispute for hundreds if not thou-

endure at the hands of humans and

thankful.

sands of years. You can find quotes

that we do have CHOICES. Those

from great thinkers about animal

choices are not huge sacrifices. You

PetTalk GoFetch to help businesses

welfare going all the way back to

might be amazed to know there are

promote their products or services

Pythagoras.

many things you can do, and still eat

and help pet owners find resources

meat if you choose, wear a nice fra-

and events. If you haven't tried the

what feels to me to be hypocritical

grance and adorn yourself in a beauti-

website or App yet, check it out and

that I eat meat but deeply care about

ful, functional coat.

see how easy it is to have pet resourc-

Personally, I have struggled with

November is also a time of giving

Also this year, PetTalk launched

animals and their suffering. I recently

I get it that this topic of animal

made a commitment to a vegetarian

welfare is not necessarily about pets

diet for a 30 day trial after watching a

(although some people have pet pigs,

weather, family time as we celebrate

TV show featuring the President of the

cows, chickens, etc.) but I believe that

Thanksgiving and dare I say, a reduc-

Humane Society of the United States,

if you have a heart that is tugged by

tion in meat consumption:).

followed by something my pastor said

your dog or cat, you have a heart for

during his Sunday message. Their

all creatures and the more we know

"Eat More Vegetables" You heard it from this cute cow... eat more vegetables and fruits, not "more chickin". From the barnyard to the research lab, we explore the question, “Do the creatures we share the earth with deserve humane treatment?” Reducing our food animal consumption is one way to reduce abuse but it also helps our environment. Learn how to become a morally informed consumer in our feature story.

es at your fingertips. And, it's all FREE! Enjoy this month of cooler

HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE 14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560 www.HoustonPetTalk.com Art Director: ANDREW BURWELL Editor's Assistant: REBECCA BURWELL-BOTELLO © Copyright 2016. Reproduction or use without written permission of articles, editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited. Houston PetTalk does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Houston PetTalk does not endorse any specific product or service contained herein; we do encourage you to support our advertisers whenever possible. All photos ©copyright Thinkstock unless otherwise stated.

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WHERE

IN THE

WORLD

IS PETTALK? Snap a picture of one of our readers while they are traveling the world and send it to info@houstonpettalk. com.

El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Heidi Berin enjoying PetTalk by the sea.

Grand Teton, Wyoming Linda Thompson sharing a PetTalk moment with her fun family.

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Henrietta On:

I

f you’re just discovering my column after 13 years, I need to explain several things that my regulars already know. First, I’m a dog. Now, that might seem evident unless you are a nitwit, but I recently got an email asking why I consider cats to be a lesser species and perhaps God’s idea of a joke. Duh…because I’m a dog. Next, I’m owned by a fire breathing dragon, although technically she’s a human, who also happens to be the editor. She saved me from the throngs of death on rescue row so she apparently has a heart somewhere deep in the bowels of her being but she only shows it on occasion. I refer to her as DL, short for Dragon Lady (never to her face of course, less I be banished to a week of no eclairs, Cheetos, french fries or other must have food groups). Another thing to know about DL is that she is 89% smart and 11% mad as a hatter.

On occasion, she makes what some would refer to as “hasty” decisions. I call them insane because they usually have a negative affect on ME. I haven’t been able to figure out where the 11% of cuckoo comes from.

Could be that she was deprived of oxygen at birth or was only allowed 5 pairs of shoes as a teenager or the wine consumption finally

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set in but whatever the cause, when crazy strikes, it strikes hard.

Her latest bought with maniacal thinking is that she got a horse. Now mind you this may not seem nutty on the face of things but dig a little deeper and you will understand. First, she’s never had a horse and knows nothing about them. Second, she’s afraid of them. Third, she lives in a suburban neighborhood.

Maybe she thinks a

this 4-legged monster.

To which I replied, “Hmf, tighten our belts? That will be easy because I will be STARVING !” DL gave me her best evil eye. I know that look well because I give her lots of practice.

"Henrietta, that’s ridiculous. You will not starve.

Actually you could stand to lighten the load a little.”

Did she really just go there? This situation is going south as fast as an Ethiopian chasing a donut rolling downhill.

I sulk for an-

neigh-borhood is a place for horses.

Who knows but the bottom line is that this huge, wild creature is negatively affecting ME…and, as you know, it’s all about ME. Ok yes, the horse was negletced and starving and she stepped in to save him. I get that but there are plenty of starving animals so why did she have to save this one? She could have saved a hamster, but NOOO, she had to save something that eats... well... like a horse.

DL has already declared that we have to “tighten our belt” to budget for

other day, conjuring up sad images of me not getting my weekly allowance for visits to the Salty Dog, no money for Starbark’s and the real sob story, no pawdicures. I consider all of these items to be staples for maintaining my best self.

I call cousin Hortense.

“Cousin H, my life is over”, I report. No stranger to my drama, Hortense replies, “Can I have your collection of Jimmy Choo stilettos?” I

get no sympathy so I hang up. I’ll give her a stiletto but not the way she’s thinking.

Seeing no light at the end of my tunnel of depression, I decide to just bone up and go see this 4-legged Debbie Downer who has stolen my life. I recognize he’s here to stay and I remember that old adage, “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t drown him”, or something like that, so I might as well find a way to dig up some pawsitive thoughts about my new family member.

A lightbulb goes off in my head. It’s a full 100 watts! With a horse as a brother, I can catch a ride to my favorite watering hole everyday. Think of the time and energy saved! And, I can channel my inner cowgirl. I conjure up visions of me in custom Lucchese boots and a swarovski studded Stetson hat. I see myself heading up the local 4th of July Parade with my steed, all the while the crowd is cheering my name. Yes, I’m starting to like my new hoofed brother. And, here is the best part. Want to know the number one reason I've decided to accept him? Finally, I don't have the biggest butt in the family!

Henrietta Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Horse illustration and Colorized by Desiree Lonsway

Horsing Around With A Brother From Another Mother

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The Dish November

Events

For the full list of events and news: www.PetTalkGoFetch.com

11.5.2016

H

ey Party Animals...Did you know you can add your own pet related event to our event calendar online?

Sign up for a free Event Listing account at www.

pettalkgofetch.com.

News Houston Humane Society Award Houston Humane Society's Sherry Ferguson and Monica Schmidt were recently awarded the Houston Police Department's Humanitarian Service Award. The award recognizes the creation of Monty's Task Force, and HHSs partnership with HPD's North Division DRT Unit, Crime Stoppers of Houston, The Harris County District Attorney's Office, Harris County Constable's Office Precinct 5, and Houston PetSet to better the lives of horses & residents around the Acres Homes Area.

Congratulations ladies!

are people who can help you gain a better understanding. You can learn to work with energy the way animals and nature intended in an upcoming workshop, to be held at December 4th.

Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way says, "This specific type of energy work combines animals, elements and nature to bring about mental, physical, emotional and spiritual healing."

To learn more, see the article in this issue on page 56.

12th Annual Animal Rescue Rally 1pm-5pm, Free The Ginger Man 5607 Morningside Dr., 77005 Join Friends for Life at The Ginger Man in Rice Village for a fun afternoon of beer, wine, raffle prizes and meet and greets with several adoptable pets from local Houston rescue groups. friends4life.org

11.5.16 Pup Crawl 1pm-5pm Tacos-a-Go-Go 2912 White Oak Dr., 77007 Enjoy the fall weather with a "pup crawl" benefitting Rescued Pets Movement. The crawl starts at Tacos A Go Go on White Oak Drive and crawls to Public House,

Register NOW for Sacred Animal Spirit Alchemy Class If you have ever wondered about the energy shared between you and your pet, there

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Habitat for Horses hosts their 9th Annual Horse at Home Event at Goode's Armadillo Palace on November 9, 2016.

ASK THE Artist Carol Wells captured the essence of “Donald” Felbaum beautifully in this chalk drawing. Carol’s creation was on display at Creekfest, held October 1 in Spring. Thanks to proud mom Carol Felbaum of A Dog’s Life Pet Salon for sharing this cool piece of art. And, kudos to Carol on Donald's FAB grooming job!

BBs Cafe, Christian's Tailgate, and Little Woodrow's. rescuedpetsmovement.org

11.9.16 9th Annual Horse at Home Event 6:30pm, Starting at $250 Goode’s Armadillo Palace 5015 Kirby Drive, 77098 Habitat for Horses is hosting an annual get together with fun auctions and live music by

Shake Russel and the Band, plus auctioneer Andrew Bost, dinner, open bar, and cigar room entry with tickets available for purchase at the gala. habitatforhorses.org

11.12.16 Citizens for Animal Protection Celebrity Paws Gala 6pm, Starting at $300 Royal Sonesta 2222 West Loop S.,

Photo by PWL Studio

Announcement PIN OAK CHARITY HORSE SHOW KICKS OFF

Nancy Almodovar and Jacquie Baly enjoyed the kick-off party!

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show “What to Wear to That Equestrian Affaire” kick-off party at Neiman Marcus went off without a hitch. The production of the annual horse show supports the

healing of sick children through financial donations, outreach, and volunteer support.

The show takes place March 21-April 2, 2017 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center.

77027 The annual gala is back again, with a Great Gatsby theme. Dress to impress and enjoy this fun annual gala benefitting the Citizens for Animal Protection Shelter. cap4pets.org

11.13.2016 Bark Mitzvah 12:3pm-2:30pm, Free Houston Congregation For Reform Judaism 801 Bering Dr., 77057 The Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism is throwing a Bark Mitzvah party celebrating Houston's dogs.

Groomers, trainers, vendors, specialty treat shops and more will help shape the afternoon.The congregation's Rabbi Gross will extend a special blessing on every dog in attendance. The HCRJ says all dogs are welcome and that attending dogs do not need to know Hebrew. hcrj.com

VET

Jennifer Hennessey, DVM, CVJ Animal ER of NW Houston, Owner www.animalERnwh.com

My dog will only eat when given human food, is he tired of his food or should I be concerned? - Mr. McNab Dogs can enjoy "off diet" treats, but a pet that has suddenly changed from routine habits including appetite - should have a thorough medical exam. Your pet may have dental disease and pain when chewing, a new source of stress such as visitors in the house or a new pet, a systemic illness that is reducing appetite altogether, or it could be that the food manufacturer may have changed an ingredient. Until medical issues are considered, offering human food to entice your friend to eat can lead to other stomach issues, so a veterinary evaluation is recommended.

Why does your dog pant? And why the wet puppy nose? Ask your pet questions for Dr Jennifer Hennessey at Facebook/AnimalERnwh to see if answers you have been curious about appear in our column each month!

Emergency & Critical Care Services Nights • Weekends • Holidays "We understand that pets are family"

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The Dish

DogGone Good Time

Houston SPCA’s Sixth Annual iWalk for Animals Comes to Memorial Park

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xuberant pups prancing with excitement eagerly greeting fellow members of their canine community will gather (along with their human companions) at Memorial Park for one of the biggest doggie social events of the

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year—Houston SPCA’s sixth annual iWalk for Animals.

On December 3rd from 8 am to 11:30 am, petlovers across the city will leash up their pups, lace up their walking shoes and one-step-at-a-time walk to make a difference for shelter animals in the 5K

Canine Caper and 1K Pup Strut.

Hosted by Derrick Shore of KPRC’s Houston Life, iWalk for Animals will unify the Houston community in a human-animal bond celebration, while raising awareness and funds to directly benefit thousands of

adoptable animals, as well as community programs and services supported by the Houston SPCA—the region’s oldest and largest animal protection organization.

Following the walk, event attendees will experience a large family-friendly festival of entertainment including live music, food, dog agility demonstrations, interactive contests and the opportunity to engage with pet-friendly businesses to learn about animal resources throughout the community. Kids will enjoy face-painting, a bounce house, as well as the chance to meet roaming costumed characters.

The Houston SPCA’s

mobile adoption unit will also be onsite and filled with adoptable dogs and cats hopeful to meet new families. “Each year the Houston SPCA impacts more than 50,000 animals throughout the Houston metro area,” said Patricia Mercer, president, Houston SPCA. “As a private, nonprofit charity, funded entirely by donations, we depend on the generous support of the Houston community at events like this one in order to be able to sustain our lifesaving mission, programs and services.”

Every dollar raised through iWalk for Animals helps the Houston SPCA investigate animal cruelty, operate a 24-hour injured animal rescue ambulance service and save animals from disasters, danger and distress. To be part of one of Houston’s largest shelter animal benefits, visit www. iwalkforanimals.org to register as an individual, create a team, join a team or to donate.

The 2016 iWalk for Animals is sponsored by Hill’s Science Diet and VCA Animal Hospitals.

Join media sponsor Houston PetTalk and PetTalk GoFetch at the event to pick up current and past issues of Houston PetTalk and to learn more about the PetTalk GoFetch FREE App for iPhone and Android.

Greater Houston German Shepherd Dog Rescue

3333 Eastside , Houston 77098 713-524-2752

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Saturday December 3, 2016 From 1 to 4 pm Annual Fund Raising & Adoption Event Bring your dog and get your pet’s photo with Santa by Nature Dog Photography Silent auction, raffle for $1000 GC Demonstration by

www.ghgsdr.org

decembeR 3, 2016 - memoRial paRk Join 1,000 guests and their furry friends at the Houston SpCa’s iWalk for animals. earn exclusive prizes as you raise funds to support our lifesaving mission and help us reach our $500,000 goal.

5K Canine Caper 1K pup Strut Family FeStival

December 3, 2016 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Reg isteR to day at:

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Animals:

DO THEY DESERVE HUMANE TREATMENT?

By Michelle Mantor

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"If you want to eat meat and dairy, that's ok, just try to make humane choices. Yes, we have dominion over animals but that doesn't mean abuse is acceptable. It means we are their stewards and it's up to us to preserve, protect and respect sentient beings.

Every day should not be an animal's worst day. The worst day should only be it's last day."

—Michelle Mantor

A

s my mom used to say, “Wherever you find Mickey, you’ll find some ‘ol dog or cat.” So true! My earliest memories are of my pets. Something about animals hooks my heart. Their eyes speak to me, their innocence impresses me, their adaptability surprises me and their capacity to hold no grudge and come back for love, even from a cruel hand, is both remarkable and heartbreaking.

Whenever I have witnessed animal cruelty, pain or suffering, I can’t get the thoughts and images out of my mind. That’s one of the reasons I chose to help animals through words - I’m unable to bear the front lines of the fight.

I suppose this invisible string tied to the hearts of creatures is called empathy or compassion. Whatever it is, I have it. And, “it” is the motivation behind this feature story: my struggle with the incongruence in society and within myself regarding the inhumane treatment of livestock and other animals for the benefit of humans. If we say we care about animals, why do we allow the abuse of millions of cows, chickens, pigs, rabbits, and other species for the purposes of food, research and fur when clearly we have other choices?

Don’t worry. I'm not going to preach or employ guilt tactics or show you traumatizing pictures PETA-esque style. I simply want to raise your awareness, inform you about inhumane treatment that you many or may not be aware of and hopefully prompt you to think about humane options. To me, that is the most exciting part of this plight…we have options.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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“Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to mans.

Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

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The subject of food animal treatment is one of those things in life that I can choose to face or bury. I can merrily shop for packaged meat and give no thought as to how it got there. Millions of people do it everyday but the more I’ve learned, the less I can stand myself for ignoring the abuse.

We all have multiple issues we must decide how to deal with from family drama and career choices to the primary level of our soul…who are we and what matters most to us? Once we know the answer to that question, only then can a truly balanced and happy life prevail when we align our actions with those things we have determined to matter most. When I look into my deepest self, I know that animals are very important to me but I am not living in alignment with my true values if I eat food produced from inhumane factory farms, use beauty products tested in a cruel way on laboratory animals or support hunting for sport and wearing fur. I have no problem upholding everything on that list with the exception of factory farming. I have been hypocritical with regards to my diet.

Over the years, I’ve had guilt feelings about my inaction or blatantly turning a blind eye to the matter of food animals and their care. In 2010, PetTalk featured a precious little pig named Olive on our cover. During the photoshoot, Olive sat for treats,

came when called and posed for the camera just like a dog would do. Would we consider eating a dog?

Of course not because we are a humane society! Or, are we?

In the last 20-30 years there has been an awakening to some degree about the care of animals, their value and the compassion they deserve, which is something to celebrate but the action taken based on this newfound knowledge has been woefully inadequate. Here are some statistics: ❖ 10 Billion animals are raised for food production in the United States each year. ❖ In polling, 94% of Americans agree that animals raised for food deserve to live free from abuse and cruelty. Yet the majority of the nearly 10 billion farm animals raised each year in the U.S. suffer in conditions that consumers would not accept if they could see them. ❖ The abuse suffered by animals in factory farms includes: 1. Cages and overcrowding. With the help of vaccinations, medications, hormones, pesticides, central airconditioning systems and automatic feeders, it is now possible to cram tens of thousands of chickens into tiny coops, and produce meat and eggs with unprecedented efficiency.

2. The beaks of chickens, turkeys, and ducks are

often removed in factory farms to reduce the excessive feather pecking and cannibalism seen among stressed, overcrowded birds.

3. Birds are stacked 6 or more to a small crate, stacked on top of one another. Feces falls through the crates, coating the birds underneath. This goes on daily until their death. The birds wheeze and gasp for air as their eyes water with the stench of urine and feces. As quoted in a Rolling Stones magazine article, “If you haven’t been in a hen plant, you don’t know what hell is.”

4. Many dairy cows never see grass or graze. Their udders are hugely oversized through drugs and breeding, often swollen and leaking pus due to mastitis. The milk production can be as much as 22,000 pounds per year from one cow. After 4 years of this abuse, their bodies can’t take it anymore, their bones break from brittleness and they are slaughtered.

5. The death of a rendering cow consists of being strung upside down, stunned by a steel bolt to the head, throat slashed to bleed out, then limbs cut off.

6. For the purposes of making veal, plump calves are chained in wood crates where they cannot move, force-fed milk substitute and antibiotics until their flesh turns butter-knife soft.

7. When calves are separated from their mothers, the sow naturally wants to stay with her young. The workers do whatever it takes to make the separation happen. Hitting, stabbing and some cows even break their legs in the struggle.

8. Factory farmed animals are not given the chance to partake in natural behaviors for their species.

No play, no nurturing, no natural reproduction.

This list could go on and on but you get the picture.

What makes the existence of factory farmed animals particularly cruel is not

“Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages.”

Thomas Edison Thank you Mr. Edison for your thought but we choose to discredit your worth on the subject given that you electrocuted animals for experimental reasons in your West Orange Laboratory in the late 1880’s.

.

A Source For Learning More The Humane Economy: How Innovators and Enlightened Consumers Are Transforming the Lives of Animals by Wayne Pacelle, President/ CEO of the Humane Society of the U.S. This book is a major new exploration of the economics of animal exploitation and a practical road map for how we can use the marketplace to promote the welfare of all living creatures. Aptly touted by one of the world’s foremost animal advocates: “The Humane Economy is essential reading for anyone interested in animal welfare. This fabulous book reveals the inside story of how the fight against human cruelty to animals is gradually being won and some of the surprising individuals who have helped to make this happen. HSUS’s Wayne Pacelle is to be congratulated on writing a fascinating, highly readable, and remarkably comprehensive book, covering animal issues ranging from factory farms to puppy mills, from trophy hunting to genetic modification, from medical and pharmaceutical testing to entertainment. Please help to increase awareness of ongoing animal suffering by sharing this book and encouraging everyone to take some part in creating a truly humane society.”—Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, and UN Messenger of Peace.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Examples Of Companies Taking A Stand For A Humane Economy: Chipotle Since 2001, Chipotle has sourced 100 percent of its pork from gestation-crate-free producers as part of the company’s “Food With Integrity” campaign.

Whole Foods Major organic and natural foods grocery chain Whole Foods rolled out a new animal welfare rating program. Under the program, every store will have signs that “tell customers exactly how animals were raised.”

McDonald's McDonald’s became the first major fast food company to create a definite timetable to eliminate gestation crate confinement of breeding pigs from its pork supply chain.

Burger King In 2012, Burger King announced that all its eggs and pork will come from cage-free chickens and pigs by 2017.

Sonic Sonic Corp. announced plans to phase in a pork supply chain free of gestation crates by 2017.

Wendy's Wendy’s is working with its U.S. and Canadian pork suppliers to eliminate the use of sow gestation stalls over time.

Walmart Walmart, one of the world’s biggest companies – and the nation’s biggest food seller – announced it has adopted the “five freedoms” principles for farm animals.

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A sampling of restaurants that have announced plans, according to the Humane Society of the U.S. to improve welfare standards in their supply chain: ❖ McDonald’s ❖ Taco Bell ❖ Panera Bread ❖ TGI Friday's ❖ DineEquity (IHOP and Applebee’s) ❖ Denny’s ❖ Jack in the Box, Inc. ❖ Wendy’s ❖ The Cheesecake Factory ❖ Cracker Barrel ❖ Papa John’s ❖ Burger King ❖ Subway ❖ Sonic A list of undercover investigations by the Humane Society of the U.S. that exposed abuses - investigate these brands before buying: ❖ Butterfield Foods' spent hen slaughter plant ❖ Catelli Bros. calf slaughter plant ❖ Iron Maiden pig farm ❖ Hallmark Meat Packing slaughter plant ❖ Wyoming Premium Farms pig farm ❖ Seaboard Foods and Prestage Farms pig farms ❖ Kreider Egg Farms ❖ Rose Acre Farms and Rembrandt Enterprises egg farms ❖ Cal-Maine Foods egg farms ❖ Willmar Poultry Company turkey farm ❖ Smithfield Foods pig farm ❖ Bushway veal slaughter plant For a list of Certified Humane™, visit www.certifiedhumane.org.

Inhumane?

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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4 Health Reasons To Kick Factory Farmed Meat Off Your Plate 1. Are You On Drugs?

Animals that are meant to eat grasses, plants and shrubs - like cows, goats, sheep - but are fed starchy “feedstuffs” become ill and those sick animals are given chemical additives and antibiotics. Those drugs enter your system, causing a host of issues.

2. Nutrition Negative The nutritional value of factory-farmed products is very low. The stressed animals that are raised inhumanely are lower or missing key vitamins which gets passed on to you (typically less vitamin E, beta-carotene and omega =-3 fatty acids).

3. You Are What You Eat The “feedstuff” fed in factory farming is or can be anything from restaurant waste to feather, manure or gum. You’re eating what they're eating.

4. It’s A Bunch of Crap Literally. Factory farms concentrate an unnatural number of animals in one place, which creates an unmanageable amount of waste. On a factory farm containing 35,000 hogs, over four million pounds of waste are produced each week, and over 200 million pounds each year. Whereas on a sustainable farm animal waste can be a tool, in factory-farm amounts it becomes a major pollutant. Runoff from factory farms kills fish, degrades aquatic habitats and threatens drinking water supplies. Additionally, factory farms use tremendous amounts of water, which cuts into our precious supplies of water that are not contaminated.

just the way in which they die but above all how they live. The abuse of confinement, separation from mothers, mutilation, filthy living conditions, drug cocktails to kill bacteria and enhance growth, extremely poor health and painful, untreated maladies are simply unacceptable.

And, why would you want to eat this meat or consume dairy products from these animals? A stressed out, antibiotics-ridden, nutrient-deficient animal cannot be a healthy source of food, even if the animal torture doesn’t bother you.

Let’s revisit the 94% of Americans polled that agree that animals raised for food deserve to live free from abuse. As a culture, we SAY we want humane treatment but that is far from what our society actually does for food animals (and research animals).

Where did this great divide between what we say and what we do come from?

Unfortunately, it’s been around for a very long time and I for one hope that our intelligent, educated citizens will stand up with their dollars and say NO, we don’t accept this any longer.

Good animal welfare

requires disease prevention and veterinary treatment, appropriate shelter, management, nutrition, humane handling and humane slaughter. Humans have the capacity to accomplish this basic right of all sentient beings by speaking with our food purchases and by reducing the demand.

Certainly there are plenty of excuses and denials within the food industry and consumers. There are those that say “the animal doesn’t feel anything” or “they are too dumb to matter” or those that simply don’t care about the abuse.

It’s not convenient and acknowledging this travesty would mean changing behaviors and choices that might not be as selfsatisfying as eating steak, chicken, milk, eggs and so forth from cheaper sources that are inhumane. And I am only talking about consumers. Changing the hearts and minds of executives in these industries can only happen one way - via their pockets. If they truly were caring people, they wouldn’t be involved in the abuse to start with.

I believe there are several points to be made for the protection and awareness

“When it comes to having a central nervous system, and the ability to feel pain, hunger, and thirst, a rat is a pig is a dog is a boy.”

Ingrid Newkirk

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“The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men.”

Leonardi Di Vinci

of food animals. First and foremost is God’s view.

God chose to save animals when the earth was flooded which would beg the question that God must have felt the animals had value or why save them? Even if you don’t believe in God, imagine a world without animals. What if they didn’t exist? No sounds from birds in the morning, no frogs calling by the pond, no dogs barking happily when we come home, no cats purring in our lap, no horses neighing in the pasture. And what about

the beautiful sites? No gorgeously colored peacocks, no perfect tiger stripes, no dolphins jumping through the water. This is not a world I would want to live in and if you wouldn’t want to live in that world either, then animals DO matter and do deserve

respectful treatment.

The argument has also been made that because humans are more evolved and smarter than other creatures, it’s ok to use that power to our own ends, by whatever means we see fit. As carnivores, many humans

have a “critter meter” that is employed as the “dodge” factor for what’s on our plates. If you are a steak lover, cows are dumb. If you love a good rack of lamb, those critters are nincompoops. Just ate a piece of sea bass? Fish have no brains or conscious thoughts. Essentially, we can excuse away any moral ambiguity when we want to eat stuff that we think is tasty.

It’s here where I remind you this is editorial opinion and it’s my opinion that I’m sharing. I believe that Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Weekday Vegetarian

❖

Pure Healthy Eatery Woodlands/Spring 525 Sawdust Rd Spring, TX 77380 NOKturne Clear Lake 17062 Saturn Ln Houston, TX 77058 Taja Indian Pearland 2510 Smith Ranch Rd Pearland, TX 77584

There is a great TED Talk with Graham Hill, where he talks about being a "weekday vegetarian." If you want to help curb large scale farming practices, you have to decrease demand for meat products. You don't have to quit entirely, just simply cut back.

❖

Houston Vegetarian Restaurants

After watching Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society of the U.S. on Oprah's Super Soul Sunday show, I decided to see what it would be like to try being a vegetarian for 30 days.

I have felt hypocritical for a long time because I had read about the animal abuse in the food industry but did nothing about it (other than switching to cage free eggs). I have to say it wasn't as hard as I imagined. I found a great vegetarian restaurant near my house, Loving Hut

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Loving Hut, Westchase 2825 S Kirkwood Rd Houston, TX 77082 Pepper Tree Veggie Cuisine Greenway 3821 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77027 Baba Yega Cafe Fourth Ward, Montrose 2607 Grant St Houston, TX 77006 Local Foods West University 2424 Dunstan Rd Houston, TX 77005

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❖

My 30 Days As A Vegetarian

on Kirkwood/Richmond and honestly loved the Vermicelli Bun, Thai Soup and other dishes just as much as those with real meat in them. I discovered a brand called Beyond Meat that I cooked with and found it to be good as well. The hardest part was not eating fish (sushi is my BAE). My family was supportive and ate some vegetarian meals with me.

After the thirty days, I can say I felt better digestively and had plenty of variety and nutritional foods.

When it was all said and done and I'd kept my commitment, I ate sushi right away but have drastically cut back on any form of beef, chicken, pork, etc. I am about 95% Pescatarian and I plan to remain that way and I have switched to other types of milk rather than cow's milk.

I also plan to keep spreading this message of awareness - it's ok to eat meat and dairy but be

a conscious eater and cut back. It's really not that hard (but does cost a little more for humanely raised products) and in the end, you will be healthier, the animals will be happier and healthier and our planet will be more sustainable.

Not a bad choice!

Vegetarian Brands at the Grocery Store During my 30 day vegetarian trial, these were some of my favorite items: ❖ Beyond Meat and Beyond Chicken - found at Randall’s. I used the faux meat to make tacos and no one new the difference! ❖ Boca - Their burgers and chick'n patties are tasty. ❖ Tofurkey - A good snack or sandwich. ❖ Amy's - Provides a great assortment of frozen dinner options. ❖ Also try Rice Dream, Soy Delicious or Silk - all make cow milk alternatives.

yes, God did give us Dominion over animals, but that does not give us an inherent right to dismiss, abuse and diminish their existence. I believe we should be stewards of animals, not unfeeling prison wardens.

Man will likely always justify eating animals and that is a force that won’t disappear in our lifetime but there is something that we can do and that’s work to ensure that an animal's worst day on earth is it’s last day rather than every day.

If you want to be a part of the

groundswell to diminish and someday end the torture, there are MANY things you can do.

You don’t have to choose to not eat animals altogether. You can reduce your intake as one option. Join a movement called Meatless Mondays. If we all went meatless one day per week, we would kill 1.3 billion less animals per year. Or, you can purchase only those products produced by humane farming or humane laboratory testing. There is more at “steak” here than just a cow’s feelings. It’s your health.

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2016 HOLIDAY

GIFT GUIDE 'Tis the Season!

T

he holidays are a time of giving as we celebrate with family and friends, both two legged and four legged. Sharing the holiday festivities and gift giving with pets is often part of our age old tradition. We show that we care about them by carefully selecting the perfect gift, something they will enjoy and that is personal to them.

Each year, we present our Annual Holiday Gift Guide to inspire you to find the perfect gift for the pet

or pet lover on your list. We feature unique, artistic, useful, and fun products, some of which are sold by our sponsors, and we encourage you to shop with them because they make our publication possible and provide valuable products to our pet community. Please keep them in mind during your shopping adventure!

On behalf of Houston PetTalk we wish you a safe and happy 2016 holiday season.

CUSTOM MEMORABILIA WITH YOUR PET'S PHOTO

If you don't find your breed or would like something just for you, they customize any of their dog style products and can even use your own photograph. Send them a note with your pooch's photo at info@lorenasimagerie.com for your unique order. lorenasimagerie.com, Prices Starting at $30

Lorena's Imagerie Designs are something unique and different that combines photography, dogs and digital art. For every type of dog lover there’s a different style of apparel!

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RUDOPLH THE GOLD TONED REINDEER Here's a super glam idea to fulfil your man's desire for masculine decor in his space, while keeping it humane and fun. Help him get AHEAD in life with this black and gold faux taxidermy mount. minimalist.life, $125

FOR YOUR FAVORITE DOG WALKER Every good dog walker deserves his day, and this is the perfect gift for that day! With a woodsy fall scent, this gift is sure to be a hit with whoever receives it. shop.people.com, $38

SAVE THE PLANET, SHARE YOUR LOVE FOR KITTIES This foldable, reusable bag is not just for the grocery store!

With a carry weight of 50 pounds, it's great for an assortment of utilitarian purposes. baggu.com, $9

CHASE YOUR DREAMS

OFF TO THE WOODLANDS Your front door says a lot about what you got goin' on inside.

Let the neighbors know you love to travel with a gift all campers can enjoy. wayfair.com, $29.75

Keep your goals in mind with this pretty kitty wallet that has an interesting detail within its folds, showing a cat chasing a pair of birds. Chase your own dreams by using the zipper pocket to store your secret savings. shop.holland.com, $65

GORGEOUS AND WASHABLE Keep pet hair at bay with these gorgeous machine washable linens from Bella Notte. bellanottelinens.com, Prices Vary

FEED YOUR WILDLIFE Local jewelers Esquivel and fees recently completed this new design for the Houston Zoo “Feed Your Wildlife Conservation Gala� to help raise money for Rhinoceros preservation. Portions of each sale will be donated to this noteworthy cause. esterling.com, $2,500

PUG MUG There are loads of pug lovers out there, and the Spinning Hat company knows it. That's why they made this silly square mug with a round hole, painted to look like the pudgiest pug on the block. amazon.com, $10

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SHOW SOME LOVE TO THE KITTIES OF CANADA Curly tails and shiny coats, we just love these hand crafted sterling silver pendants from Rickson Jewellery of Toronto, Canada. These pieces have

another great feature, a percentage of each sale goes to the Toronto Humane Society. You can also customize the piece with your choice of a birthstone and choice of chain length. Choose an accent piece from the Rickson collections with a cute paw ring or Rickson's spin on the Claddagh Ring, with animal paws . ricksonjewellery.com, $99

This genuine hand stitched leather collar comes with a free personalized engraving. Having been made right here in the USA, you can trust that it feels as great as it looks, and the engraving is guaranteed for life. dogids.com, $55

CUSTOM ENGRAVED NEEDLEPOINT COLLAR FOR A FAVORITE FRIEND

THE WAY THE WIND BLOWS For the pet lover who has everything, check out this puppy weather vane in the breed of their choice. There are over 20 breeds in this style. anythingdogs.com, $59.95

HOLIDAY CARDS AND PORTRAITS

BY EVIN THAYER PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO 36

www.houstonpettalk.com

Send hugs & kisses this holiday season to your friends and family with your custom designed portrait cards featuring your loved ones in a beautiful Evin Thayer portrait. www.EvinThayer.com, Call (713) 524-0199 for free consultation.

Purple Puppy Power

FAUX FUN Treat someone you love to a warm and cozy gift with a luxury faux sable scarf from Donna Salyer's Fabulous Furs.

This super scarf is available in seven exotic faux styles. fabulousfurs.com, $49

We love this carrier! The great thing about this carrier is versatility.

Use the opaque top, mesh top, or open it completely. amazon.com, $35

LUCKY YOU! Feeling lucky, pal? Crafted of ceramic, this World Market exclusive lucky kitty cat treat jar is a whimsical addition to the kitchen counter with an airtight lid to keep your baked goods fresh. worldmarket.com, $14.99

PAW PRINT ORNAMENTS

PUPPUCINO CAPPUCINO

Meadowlake Pet Resort and Training Center will be offering personalized paw print ornaments beginning November 1st through the end of December. meadowlakepetresort.com, $14.99

Boston Terriers rule! Your friends will love this pop-art style mug by designer Marc Tetro. This cute terrier can also be found on a key chain and a fun card stock pop out you can set on your desk. republicofpaws.com, $12

PRINT AND PRESS For a truly unique piece of jewelry, you can gift this cute set that makes a sterling silver impression of your pet's nose and your own fingertip. The set comes with instructions to create an impression that you send to an artisan who will cast it in precious metal. uncommongoods.com, $197

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Health How To Have A Safe Holiday Watch For These Hazards By: Kate Lawrence | Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists www.gcvs.com

T

he holiday season is a time for celebration and family... including the four-legged members of your family! However, the holiday season can also present unique and challenging safety hazards for your furry family member.

that are not as easily noticed during the holiday season. For example, both cats and dogs think that chewing on the extra plugs and cords lying around is a fun way to pass the time, but unfortunately that “fun” can lead to severe consequences like serious burns

Some of the dangers are pretty obvious, like dogs eating the Thanksgiving turkey, or cats knocking over the Chris as tree. But there are other dangers

and even electrocution! In addition, many seasonal and decorative plants can be toxic to animals. Plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe and holly are common

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this time of year, and should be placed far away from areas where cats and dogs can reach them.

Regarding your pet's holiday diet, it can be very tempting to treat your dog or cat with their own Thanksgiving dinner.

However, the introduction of rich people food can often lead to GI upset, which is less than ideal during the celebration!

Additionally, many pets (cats in particular) LOVE to play with, chew on, and eat many of your holiday decorations, such as tinsel, beads, and ornament hooks. Ingesting items like these can lead to blockages in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and often require emergency surgery. In addition to giving “people food” to animals, some pet owners may give their pets leftover turkey or pork bones to chew on. This can cause the same type of GI upset as outlined above, and also carries the risk of blocking the GI tract, or even perforating (puncturing) the intestines. Many people like to give holiday treats and candies this time of year, and the majority of these candies and treats can be hazardous to pets.

Chocolate is never a good idea for pets, and often hard candies and gum contain Xylitol as a sweetener, and while innocuous to people, is very toxic to cats and dogs.

Possibly the most common issue seen by

veterinarians during the holidays surround pets who have eaten something inappropriate, from tinsel to turkey bones, and end up very ill. You should consider seeking veterinary care if your pet begins vomiting, develops a poor appetite, has diarrhea, becomes lethargic or disorientated. Your family veterinarian may wish to conduct testing such as blood work, radiographs (x-rays), or ultrasound exams to help diagnose your pet’s condition. The results of those tests will help guide treatment recommendations, and may even indicate that surgery is the best option for your pet – especially if you suspect your dog or cat ingested an object that is causing an obstruction (blockage) of the stomach or intestines. This type of surgery is usually time sensitive, so be prepared to make rapid decisions! Everyone celebrates the holidays with their own unique traditions and festivities, and safety should be an integral part of every family’s holiday habits. Be vigilant and plan your holiday decorations and celebration to be as safe as possible for the four-legged members of your family. Prevention is the key to keeping your furry friends happy and healthy this season.

Happy Holidays from Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists!

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Health

Surviving Critical Care A Celebration By: Dr. Michael Seely www.vergi247.com

V

ERGI is well known for excellence as an emergency and critical care hospital, but only past patients really understand the genuine mission the VERGI staff has to save lives. Which, by the way, is why VERGI created a party to celebrate the survival of critical care patients.

The “I Survived” party began 17 years ago during Dr. Noaker’s first year as Chief of Staff at the hospital.

After watching the emotional experience

interesting, Dr. Noaker noticed the special bond the staff created with these animals and their families that would often result in a bit of sadness at the realization they may never see these survivors again.

The bond of saving lives and being the life saved is very strong as everyone is pulling for the pet to make it through the illness or injury. Working around the clock, constantly checking and assessing, hoping for good results...it’s all very emotional.

Dr. Laura Noaker presenting Marcella Pringle (Trixi's Mom) the "I Survived" Lifetime Mascot Award.

our party was small”, stated Noaker, “yet there was one patient who was incredibly lucky to be alive. Her name was Trixi. She was a young Golden Retriever that had gone into anaphylactic shock. She nearly died while her nervous mom watched. However, Trixi was miraculously saved that night and from that point on, she and her fam-

rty This year’s pa r fo d le is schedu 8. r be m ce De

of working tirelessly to save lives, Dr. Noaker noticed the incredible triumph and celebration of the staff when a critical care patient pulled through and survived. Even more

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What began as a simple idea to help boost moral and reunite staff with patients has now become a celebrated annual tradition. “The first year of

ily came to each and every “I Survived” party and celebrated her life until her natural passing.” Trixi’s last party was in 2013 after living a long, happy life. She has since

been designated as VERGI’s Lifetime “I Survived” party mascot.

What people may not realize is that in the emergency room, there are many patients, for various reasons, that simply cannot be helped and in turn sadly lose their lives.

These pet losses negatively impact the staff that aspires to save each and ever one of them. Thus, the idea of an “I Survived” party was a perfect way to reunite saved lives while offering the staff an opportunity to rejoice and celebrate.

The VERGI patients and their families, as well as our doctors and staff, look forward to this uplifting event all year long.

Dr. Noaker adds, “This is a great chance to see these patients who we were able to help survive, and honestly, it’s the best part of our holiday season.”

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To read the daily blogs in their entirety and see additional photos, visit www. houstonpettalk.com and search Costa Rica.

P

ure Vida is the national mantra of Costa Rica, as you

learned in PART 1 of this 3 PART series on my transformative trip to the north central retreat, Leaves and Lizards. This 26 acre farm and equine facility offers an unbridled view of the majestic Arenal Volcano, along with other amenities including unique, private cabins, NEW infinity pool, yoga, massage and delicious food. For horse lovers, there are miles of beautiful mountains, streams and pastures to see on horseback. When I visited Leaves and Lizards, my purpose was to participate in their renowned Eponicity workshop, which uses horses to facilitate profound personal learning experiences. In

PART 2 OF 3 PART SERIES | BY MICHELLE MANTOR

LEAVES & LIZARDS RETREAT Align With Nature, Renew Your Spirit, Connect With Animals 48

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part 1 of this series, I took you through the first 4 days of this powerful experience that opened my eyes and my heart to the true teachers that animals can be, taught in part by my horse for the week, Suzy. In part 2, we travel from day 5 through day 7 of my journey, based on excerpts from the online blog.

Day 5: This morning’s yoga is focused on lengthening our bodies and being aware of our posture which is necessary for our first trail ride later in the day.

After breakfast of scrambled eggs, french toast, and awesome Costa Rican coffee, we go through another mandala focusing on a chart of emotions.

For instance, vulnerability is the feeling that something significant is about to change so you might ask yourself what belief or physical safety is about to be challenged and how can you accept this new insight because if you don’t, the feelings may intensify to rage or panic. Little do I know that I am about to experience extreme vulnerability later in the evening.

We gear up for our first ride and I'm already feeling vulnerable in my riding skills. I'm a total novice, unlike most of the others, and teaching riding skills is not the point of the workshop. We are learning the language of horses and figuring out our own minds, intentions and consequences.

Along with our leaders and guide, we head down the road to a trail that the horses know well. The destination is a waterfall where we will go swimming and ride back. Sounds simple enough. The foreboding was in the phrase “bring your flashlights”. As we progress through the trail, I realize the terrain is not going to be flat…AT ALL!

Not sure why I thought terrain in Costa Rica would be flat (hello), but as we go down hills that are steep and muddy, hence slippery, I am more scared than I can put words to.

Debbie instructs me to just tell Suzy that I’m scared and ask her, either out loud or silently, to take care of me and that I will trust her.

Thank God Suzy is a mature horse with an old soul that knows her stuff!

Vulnerability starts to head toward fear and panic. Everyone is doing their best to convince me that the horses are surefooted, they won’t fall and so on but I’m not convinced. I battle the fear, try to breathe and plead with Suzy mentally to keep me safe. We finally arrive at the waterfall and I'm happy to get off my horse and try to relax my body.

As we hike to the waterfall, we hear a story about another group that came to the waterfall last year and a Fer-de-lance (very large snake) came over the waterfall and landed in the pool of water where everyone was swimming. Barb, a veterinarian from Arizona who was part of that trip and is sharing this oh-solovely story, brings out her phone to show us the photo of the 6ft. snake (see photo on the blog). I make a note to self: DO NOT go swimming.

Half the group swims and the other half just hangs out. It’s not hard to figure out which group I’m in. As it creeps close to dusk, I’m getting antsy

Morning yoga with our 4-legged friends.

The horses hang out while we are at the waterfall.

Nature at its best!

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to go. I practically trample the others on the trail to get back to the horses so we can leave. The horses have been turned loose in the field and we are told to catch our horse using our newfound “join up” skills.

I fail miserably. Suzy is enjoying eating the grass and is having none of that bridle. Feeling like a failure, I enlist help but I really don’t care at this moment because I want to get home before dark. The trail nearly sent me into a panic during the day so a night ride would institutionalize me.

As we prepare to go, Debbie announces we

are doing another mandala. What?! I want to GO HOME!!! I don’t work very hard at hiding my anger but I don’t throw a fit either. It quickly becomes apparent to many of us that we’ve been set up… the intention all along was to make use ride back on this treacherous trail in the pitch black of the Costa Rican forest.

I see now why vulnerability, if not addressed, can lead to rage because I’m sitting right at rage’s door about now. The tension in the group is palpable and Debbie admits that the plan was to go back in the dark

Feedback from the group after groundwork with our horse. The horses love to join the conversation!

The beautiful Costa Rican horses at Leaves & Lizards Retreat.

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and tries to talk us through the feelings of vulnerability and how we also experience this in our lives and how scary it is to reach down inside and give in to trust.

It’s dusk, we mount our horses and head back. We are going up steep hillsides, coming down in mud and crossing a small river bed. I’m feeling panic but constantly trying to talk myself down from that edge; it’s exhausting and goes on for an hour. There are parts of the trail that are flat as we cross some pastures and those moments were truly beautiful.

The fireflies were out, the sounds of all the animals in the forest/countryside was eerie but peaceful, and there was a sense of nature and calm that is indescribable. If only we could stay on flat land.

But we can’t. Panic comes right back as we approach a steep hill of deep mud leading to another river crossing and the darkness is thick and my only thankful thought is that I got one of the two white horses which give off just a bit of light. I had forgotten how dark “dark” is in the country with no lights from houses. There is also barbed wire on either side of the trail that I can’t see. I pull out my itty bitty flashlight which doesn’t do much good but it gives me a momentary release from the terror in my chest caused by the fact that I can’t see what’s ahead and I can’t fathom how my horse can either.

After what seemed like an eternal time in panic mode, we make it home.

I’m so mad I just head back to my cabin and practically tear off the cork of a bottle of wine with my teeth. Why would a beginner like me be subjected to what I see as a dangerous situation and be pushed to that level of fear? To learn to trust of course. Ok, I get it. I need to trust Suzy implicitly for the remainder of the week while simultaneously making sure that I don’t let her take advantage of me. I need to show leadership because if I can’t be the leader when needed, then what good am I to the herd?

Day 6: Today I miss yoga class because I wake up at 7:05.

Bummer.  During breakfast, Debbie asks us to discuss our ride from the previous night. Several said that, although they were concerned and anxious, once they were on the ride and realized the only option was to trust the horse, they felt euphoric to hand over responsibility. I was not one of these people. I would say euphoria was the LAST thing on my mind. However, since I lived to tell about this adventure, it does give me a much greater trust of my horse – which is probably a metaphor for my life: trust and stop trying to control everything.

We wrap up by watching a fascinating TED Talk by Brene Brown on The Power

Jumping from waterfall to pool below. The hard part is that the rocks are slippery and the water is rushing below your feet. I guess that's why it's called an Adventure Vacation!

My canyoning adventure.

of Vulnerability. The video delves into what happens to those who embrace vulnerability and those who choose not to. As Brene puts it, we are the most drugged and overweight nation because we want to numb ourselves from the bad feelings and only feel the good.  Next we head to our respective areas to do more ground work with our horses. We work on using our energy and learn how much pressure our horse needs to perform what we are asking and then we back off the pressure and so forth. Suzy does great.

She challenges me, I step up my energy, and she does what I ask and much

to my amazement, she joins up with me immediately. Horses truly do live in the moment, don’t hold grudges and watch for every sign of energy change and then adjust to it. Sixty million years of evolution has created an animal that is very sensitive to every little detail, otherwise they would not have survived as a prey animal.

Now I see why horse people are horse people.

These powerful yet sensitive creatures are some of the best teachers on earth.

Day 7 Today is ADVENTURE day! It’s the day I’ve been waiting for, the “off property” day when

we can choose from a list of several activities for the morning, then a ride around the Arenal Volcano on our horses in the afternoon. Our choices for the morning activity are Hanging Bridges, Ziplining, Canyoning or Volunteer at the Wildlife Rescue Center. It’s probably not hard to guess which one I pick. Yes, the wildlife center. I can’t wait to see the critters which are totally different from the wildlife at home.

My luck, the Wildlife Rescue Center was full for the day so I had to pick between the other three options. After the terror of the night ride, I really didn’t want anything

thrill-seeking. “You signed up for an adventure vacation” says one of my fellow adventurers. Right. I appreciate their version of sarcasm. I contemplate the options of walking across dangling bridges that may or may not be in disrepair, flying 200 feet above the rainforest canopy attached only by a wire, or repelling down rock walls into a river gorge – hmmm.

Hard choice. “Can I just stay home?” I ask. “You can but you’ll miss the volcano ride,” says Debbie.

Crap. I don’t want to miss the highlight of the entire trip so I realize I have to pick one. I look unsure as I think this through. “You’re going Canyoning,” Debbie Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Our Canyoning Crew

says. Ok, I guess it’s better to be told what to do rather than waffling.

We get instructions on what to bring. “Be sure to wear something that you are ok with getting wet.”

I thought I was repelling down canyon/gorge walls. Hopefully only once.

“Including your head.”

What??? Am I going to fall head first into the river below? I feel fear creeping up…more adventure.

At the canyoning center, we get a quick safety course as the instructors hook a harness with multiple carabiners to our waists. They show us how to ease off the platform backwards to begin repelling, how to go faster,

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slower, brake. He also tells us not to touch anything in the flora/fauna because last week someone touched a Fer-de-lance not knowing what it was. Great, I get to face two of my biggest fears all in one adventure, heights and large snakes.

My turn is up and I peak over the side of the platform. Below me, about 30 ft. down, is a narrow, rocky canyon filled with plants, rocks, water, mold, and the guide who repelled down to be the other end of the rope. I’m definitely scared but not as scared as riding a horse through a treacherous trail in the dark. The trail was about trusting the horse; the repelling is about rusting the guides

and the ropes. I bend my knees, swing off the platform and down I go.

The group continues with more repelling as our guide swings us into waterfalls, make us jump from rocks into pools of water, sends us ziplining to another platform and so on.

It’s exhausting, cold and challenging but we make it to the bottom river bed and walk about half mile down a shallow river, where we laugh and joke our way back to the finish for some scrumptious pineapple. As we are about to leave, we get the bonus of seeing a family of howler monkeys in the tree above. Nice touch to the end of another challenge met.

We hop in the car and head to the base of the volcano where our horses have been trailored to meet us. We eat homemade pizza from Leaves and Lizards (so good!) and then mount our horses and head straight up the mountainside. I’m apprehensive about anything steep but I try to calm myself, sit back in the saddle and enjoy the day with Suzy. She is showing me she is the perfect horse for me – starts slow, warms up to a little more liveliness but not more than I can handle and overrules me when she knows the best path to take.

I’m really at a loss for words in describing this

Headed toward the Arenal Volcano.

ride. The weather is perfect and we are assured by the locals that a beautiful day like this with a full view of the volcano, no rain, about 70 degrees, is truly unusual. We climb up a mountainside to a plateau that feels like you could touch the volcano. We stop for a group photo and a few of the experienced riders feel the energy of the moment and jump up and stand on their saddles. What joy in their faces!

We continue on and our guide, Enrique, gives us the most incredible tour up to mountain vistas, down to a green moss covered lake, all while telling us about the history of the area. We finally make it to the pinnacle of the mountain to witness the amazing view.

Eventually we are all given a chance to canter our horses up a hill if we want to try it. The experienced riders jump at the opportunity. It looks so exhilarating and I have trotted a couple of times with Suzy so I decide to go for it. I’m side by side with one of our instructors, Sally, and she takes off and calls Suzy to

“go” and in Suzy style, she trots a bit then kicks it into a canter and I hold on for dear life to the saddle horn.

Wow..that was cool!

Finally, we head home for a delicious dinner together. We’ve become our own herd. It’s interesting how you can bond so closely with 16 strangers over the course of a week when you share your feelings, challenges, triumphs and support for each other.

The one thing I can say about this day is that on a horse in the remote countryside, you can see things you would never be able to see any other way.

I’m thankful for the many

On top of the world!

gifts the horses are giving us this week – support, life lessons and unparalleled views from what feels like the top of the world.

Pick up a copy of our December issue for the final installment of this

3 part series that will detail days 8 and 9. Read the 9 day blog in its entirety at www.houstonpettalk.com. Find out more about Leaves and Lizards Retreat at www. leavesandlizards.com.

My favorite photo! The start of our ride on a beautiful day with new friends and our animal compantions.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Tail End

Sacred Animal Spirit Alchemy By: Kim Shotola www.thelightfootway.com

E

nergy work can have amazing results with animals and people. There is healing energy inside of everyone. Offering energy work is something that everyone is capable of doing.

No special talents required.

Just a willingness to learn.

Energy work is offered in a growing number of animal shelters and rescue groups. More pet parents and animal professionals are learning the amazing benefits such as: ❖ Healing animals, people and nature ❖ Knowing that healing energy will never harm you or an animal ❖ Becoming more grounded and in tune with yourself and the animals ❖ Healing and releasing

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❖

❖

❖

emotions from traumatic situations such as abuse, neglect, accident or injury Helping behavioral issues by providing relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety Healing occurring more quickly for illness and injuries Bringing peace and comfort to you and your animal during the challenging time of their transition

Sacred Animal Spirit Alchemy (SASA) is a new energy program created by animals and St. Francis of Assisi. The animals and nature are here to teach you to: ❖ Strengthen their connection with you ❖ Impart their ancient

wisdom and knowledge to you ❖ Become in tune with you by enhancing your innate abilities ❖ Nurture and direct the sacred energy within you ❖ Receive guided healing from you based on their desires

The animals and nature are here to take you on this incredible journey of discovery, enlightenment and healing. SASA will help you to: ❖ Discover the depth of yourself like never before ❖ Connect your heart and soul to Mother Earth on a profound level ❖ Unlock the key to obstacles in your path ❖ ·Reveal your true self and inner vision ❖ Create a future with a divine purpose You can learn to work with energy the way

animals and nature intended – in its purest, natural form. This specific type of energy work combines the animals, elements and nature to bring about mental, physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

Energy healing is simple to learn but can have life changing results. It is empowering for you and the animals - your relationship with animals will never be the same again.

Consider taking the opportunity to learn healing energy work.

Sacred Animal Spirit Alchemy class is being offered at Kim’s farm near Manvel, off Hwy. 288 on Sunday, DECEMBER 4th from 9am-6pm. For more information, please visit www.thelightfootway.com/sacredanimal-spirit-alchemy-class/.

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Houstonshaggydogrescue.org Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Tail End

Gals With Their Lizard Pals Reptile Love

T

he ownership of

pet reptiles – turtles, lizards and snakes - is increasing each year.

A recent survey by the American Pet Products Association showed that 4.9 million US households now have 9.3 million pet reptiles.

Some lizards are now bred in designer patterns and colors for the pet industry. The tony town of Sedona, Arizona, is home to the Designer Gecko store that sells only designer Leopard Geckos – a popular pet lizard. A company called MonsterTrims has a clothing and costume line for bearded dragons. Kiosks with lizard clothing and accessories are frequently on display in big box pet stores.

Not only are reptiles changing for the pet market, the demographics for reptile owners are also changing. Reptile ownership is going mainstream as more people of all ages are turning to reptiles as pets because of their easy care and charming personalities. A surprising finding is that adult women are among the most common owners of large iguanas.

And serious owners they are: These large vegetarian lizards can reach several

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feet in length.

Cindy Price is one of a number of local women who own iguanas. A technical writer in the space program, she has been an iguana owner since 2003, an experience she wrote about in a book. Through social media she has met other professional women who have lizards as beloved pets. Last year, Cindy formed the Facebook group Ladies With Lizards.

In a few months without any advertising or promotion, there were over 500 members, including many women from the Houston area.

A letter to members posted on the Facebook page explains it all: “Think of Ladies With Lizards as a magazine showcasing your lizard lifestyle. We want your stories about your lizard, where do you get clothes and costumes, what activities you do together, lizard travel, art, and food tips – anything about lizard lifestyle! We want to show the world that lizards are the IT pet for today’s u ober cool ladies.”

Members proudly post photos of their lizards, often in costumes in cute settings, and offer helpful advice to each other such as lizard diet and bathing

Gayle Therese Photography.

Submitted by Ladies With Lizards Reptile Group

tips, and where to buy accessories like leashes.

Photos show owners nuzzling their lizard loves, traveling with their pets, or just chillin’ and watching TV together, human and lounge lizard alike.

There’s a serious side too. As with all other types of animal ownership, a need exists for reptile rescue. Animal shelters and humane organizations generally don’t take in reptiles, so it’s ladies to the rescue. Ladies With Lizards joined forces with other

privately run groups such as Heart of Gold Reptile Rescue and All God’s Creatures Reptile Rescue to facilitate rescue and rehoming, and to encourage responsible pet ownership.

One of the Ladies With Lizards, Nikki Pesek, recently closed her beauty salon and turned it into a facility for Texas Reptile and Small Animal Rescue.

What a tremendous thing to do for animal welfare... just what Ladies With Lizards is all about!

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Make a Difference

By Honoring A Wonderful Life!

HONOR A LOST PET by making a tax deductible donation to the Harris County Veterinary Medical Foundation in their name.

Your gift helps provide valuable information on pet medical and humane issuesto other pet parents.

To Donate Please Visit

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Puppy Parent Coaching

(Relieving your stress through a PROVEN system. No guessing)

Puppy Pit Fall Prevention/Early Development and Custom Training Programs Evaluator for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine and Urban Dog Test Puppy Partners Pack Socials Program How to Choose the Right Puppy Start your New Year as a puppy parent off right, without guess work.

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Conservation Corner As appreciative supporters of nature and wildlife, we at Houston PetTalk want to promote education and conservation of the world’s animal population. Each month we bring you information on conservation efforts that are of special interest or have some connection to Houston through the Houston Zoo or other local organizers such as the TWRC Wildlife Center. This issue, we are highlighting efforts to save aquatic life. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

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T

hink of your fondest memory of the beach. Is it making sandcastles? Jumping through waves? The ocean and beach impact us deeply as children, with a scale and sense of wonder that is

By: Ryan Draper The Houston Zoo

©Stephanie Adams

Ocean Health - Water, Waste, & Wildlife

equally impressive as adults.

Unfortunately, the vastness of the oceans does not exclude them from problems.

Because oceans cover nearly 71% of the Earth’s surface, the exposure and impact from humans is immense.

Organizations like the Houston Zoo are committed to keeping beaches, oceans and wild places clean by helping people understand how their actions can make a difference.

What to know: Whether hitching a ride down the drain or being blown by the wind, lots of our stuff ends up in th e ocean. The organic matter decomposes, but plastic remains. In the water, fish and marine animals are found tangled in discarded monofilament fishing line, plastic bags, and six-pack can rings.

Sea turtles like the Kemp’s ridley sometimes mistake the plastic bags for jellyfish, which can cause fatal intestinal blockages.

What to do: Reusable grocery bags and refillable

water bottles are an easy way to keep enormous amounts of trash out of the water and away from sensitive sea life. In 2015, the Houston Zoo went plastic bag free and encourages zoo guests to join them in this effort to protect wildlife.

What to know: Soon, the popular dating idiom, “There are plenty of fish in the sea” may not offer any comfort. Fishing practices that supply the world’s seafood have overfished the population of many species so greatly that their recovery may be beyond grasp.

Popular seafood choices like cod and Pacific bluefin tuna have been reduced to less than five percent of their original breeding numbers. The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program notes that 90 percent of the world’s fisheries are now fully exploited, over-exploited or have collapsed.

What to do: Ask for sustainable seafood at grocery stores and restaurants.

Sustainably sourced seafood

comes from responsibly wild-caught or farm-raised populations so that marine wildlife may recover and thrive for years to come.

Simply asking for sustainable seafood increases awareness and demand. A growing number of grocery stores in North America have heard this call and are establishing formal sustainable seafood sourcing policies. Additionally, the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch smartphone

The ocean and beach impact us deeply as children, with a scale and sense of wonder that is equally impressive as adults.

Unfortunately, the vastness of the oceans does not exclude them from problems. app is a great guide that recommends ocean-friendly seafood choices.

We have the power to turn the tide. By making small

changes in our daily lives, we can all be sure that a healthy ocean is more than just a fond memory.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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