Jan/Feb 2017

The Definitive Source for Houston Pet Lovers | January/February 2017

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Enchanted Forest A Showcase of adoptable friends

how to prep for Pet Emergencies CAT + 1 integrating multiple cats

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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TWO PAW-SOME LOCATIONS: CALL TODAY!

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Houston PetTalk Magazine

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 ANNUAL DOUBLE ISSUE

Editorial

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017 - What will it bring? Isn’t it both exhilarating and scary that we never really know what tomorrow will bring? All we know for sure is that on this day, it’s the first day of the rest of our lives. For you and for me, I hope for a year of prosperity, giving, peaceful relations and the ability to pursue our passion. I find that without prosperity, I worry about finances, without giving of myself to others, I become self-absorbed and unsatisfied; without peaceful relations, I live in a state of anger and without pursuing a passion, I feel emotionally spent and lack the joy that life has to offer.

My passion, or at least one of them, will come as no surprise. Animals!

During this New Year, I will be on a journey with a new animal in my life.

While planning the photoshoot for our Enchanted Forest feature, I contacted my friend Monica at Houston Humane Society to see what species of animals they had at the shelter. Monica rattled off “bunnies, piglets, coatimundi, horse…” Horse? “What does the horse look like?," I asked. What a fateful question! One thing led to another and I became so drawn to this neglected

Issue 1: Volume 17 www.houstonpettalk.com

and abused Paint that the next thing I knew, I was telling Monica I wanted to give him a better life. He needed castration, chiropractic work (which he received thanks to Dr. Robinette of Vet Chiropractic and Rehab), a regimen of good food, vitamins, training and of most of all LOVE. He was starved, sunburned, mentally unchallenged and living life with no joy. I wanted to change the bad to good for him.

I can’t really say why I stepped so far out ahead of what was a reasonable action for me to take, but he just grabbed my heart. There were plenty of obstacles including financial and housing/training but I was determined. The universe agreed that this boy should be mine and he is living in the BEST place with an ANGEL named Renee Adair, an Eponaquest Riding Focused Instructor who I met through contacts from my Costa Rica trip. She and I will chronicle our journey in a story later this year as we work together to change his life for the better.

I named him Freedom because that’s what he deserves.

Now you see why I'm so excited for 2017– I get to follow my passion and

Fun in the Forest Behind the scenes of any photoshoot with animals is always chaotic and full of surprises...but also fun! For our enchanted forest shoot with multiple species, it definitely took "a village". Thank you to everyone that pitched in to make this feature happen and to help the homeless animals at HHS find a forever home!

Photo By: Evin Thayer

see where it leads! What will you do in 2017 to inspire you? Even if you can’t pursue your entire dream, find a starting point and focus on that element and you will be surprised how fast your dream will unfold!

Enjoy our annual Double Issue and the beautiful animals (and people) in our feature. They so aptly display the wonderful animals in shelters awaiting a new home. As always, thank you for your continued support of Houston PetTalk, our sponsors and our new App, PetTalk GoFetch. I look forward to spending another year with you sharing animal news, stories and love!

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 BOTELLO © Copyright 2017. 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 depositphotos unless otherwise stated.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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WHERE

IN THE

WORLD

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

Stonehenge Dr. and Mrs. Bill Liska visit Stonehenge while at the European Orthopedic Veterinary Conference.

Uganda Heather, Chris and Iris Lukolyo and their dog Mutima at the Kampala Dog Show.

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Link Rd

Her Cousin Helmut, a.k.a. Mini-Trump

I

have a confession. I’ve been hiding a family member from you all these years. Why you might ask? Well, he’s my cousin and basically his parents proved that two wrongs don’t make a right.

His name is Helmut. I actually spell it HellMutt for reasons you'll soon see. I apologize for the deception but as a consolation, I have shared my other cousins with you: Hortense, Hilda, Henri, Harvey, Hank, Harold and Harmony.

OK, I haven’t introduced Harmony either. Please don’t ask.

So, with the New Year upon us, I resolved to bring Helmut into the fold.

For better or worse, he’s family. Plus, Dragon Lady insisted that I invite him to the Salty Dog to meet my friends and help Helmut “integrate”. Her exact words were, “Henrietta, be the bigger person”. I have a feeling she was referring to my growing waistline that can be attributed to my love of chocolate, marshmallows, meatloaf, spam, bananas, peanut butter, cheesy goldfish, ice cream, creme-filled donuts…Sorry, I digress but it’s preferable to thinking about what transpired during my benevolent introduction of Helmut to my compadres.

The evening started with all the usual suspects. Felicity Farnsworth

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trotted in and captured Helmut’s brain immediately. The two got along great. Helmut convinced her that Cheerios are donut seeds and she convinced him that 1 in 2 people like the taste of cheese so they were totally confused when they both declared how much they hate

cheese. This brain seminar was followed by Helmut telling Hortense that he could rap. I couldn’t believe my floppy ears when I heard Hortense say, “Wow Helmut, that’s quite a skill. I wrapped all of the presents under the Christmas tree at our house so next year, I’ll be sure to call you for help.”

Really? So Helmut replies, “You must be related to Henrietta. No, you silly girl, I mean Rap, like singing.”

Little treasonist.

Next, I hear Hortense giggle and say “Ooh, you

can sing?” Stop encouraging this DNA misfit, I think to myself. “Where’s the mic?” comes out of Helmut’s mouth and I gasp and begin to beg. No, I’m not begging Helmut, I’m begging God. “Lord, please forgive me for stealing that last bite of steak from DL’s plate. And forgive me for peeing on Felicity’s front door so she would get blamed. And forgive me for adding a little Scotch to the toilet water and pretending I just forgot that I'm supposed to drink from my dog bowl. But most of all Lord, please don’t punish me by letting all my friends see I’m related to this nitwit.” Apparently God was on a coffee break or peeing on Felicity’s door was just too much forgiveness to ask for because Helmut took the mic and here’s how it went: (Rap) My name is Helmut but my frinz call me Hump I know I’m a winner cuz I voted for Trump Yeah I’m a super genius and a really good fella I like tax breaks and hair that is yella The Trump for this Hump is an amazing dude He speaks his mind even when it’s rude He goes out of his way to shake a hand And there’s nothing more important than his global brand

etta’s r Henri is To hea t sing h Helmu w. cousin w w to ng, go nd Rap So .com a pettalk n . housto t” u “Helm search

Politics, showbiz, family and spin He mixed it all together and he got a win Some would say he’s dirty and a little too brash But I say he’s King cuz he’s got the cash Now I’m not tryin to steal his thunder I just want the world to know I’m the 8th Wonder So come on over girls an take a good whiff My hair beats Trumps cuz it ain’t so stiff I’ve got a doghouse that’s sprayed shiny gold It lights up the sky, or so I’m told My world is full of glamour and lots of glitter All I need now is to figure out twitter So you see my little pretties I’m no Forest Gump I’ve got all the makings of a mini-Trump I don’t care about naysayers cuz my ego’s big Just like Donald, I’m the guy you’ll dig!

At this point in the evening, I realized there was no way I could ever live through the agony of hilarious bent-overbelly-laughter taking place among what were previously known as my friends.

So I did what any good dog would do in a moment of disgust. I went to Whataburger and ordered a Number 3 with extra fries.

Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Colorized by Desiree Lonsway

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Caring for Hearts... at Both Ends of the Leash!

The Dish Jan/Feb 2017 For the full list of events and news: www.houstonpettalk.com

H

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

Go to www.pettalkgofetch.com/event.

News Houston Humane Society’s 36th Annual K-9 Fun Run & Walk

Emergency & Critical Care Services

Family Owned and Operated Nights • Weekends • Holidays

We are family owned and operated, so we understand how pets are a part of your family.

27104 HWY 290 WEST, STE 107 Cypress, Texas 77429

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It’s time for Houston Humane Society’s 36th Annual K-9 Fun Run & Walk. Participate in the 1 mile competitive run or the relaxed 1 mile non-competitive jog & walk. The event is at Sam Houston Park, Downtown Houston, 1100 Bagby St., Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 10:00am.

At the fun filled postrace party, dress to impress and compete in the doggie costume contest, join the Alumni Parade if your dog was adopted from HHS, or simply enjoy refreshments, a multitude of pet friendly vendors and activities for the whole family. Dog participation is encouraged.

Entry fee includes a limited edition race shirt, dog-danna, and race goodie bag. houstonhumane.org.

Doggy Party Rescue Parade Competition Early Registration Coming up in April, PetTalk's annual Doggy Party on the Plaza will take place at CityCentre, voted one of the best pet events in town! If you work with a 501c3 rescue organization you can now sign up early for the Rescue Me! Parade competition, where over $10k in prizes are given to 12 rescue groups (the event is limited to 12 groups so sign up early). Doggy

Party on the Plaza takes place April 1, 2017 so act now to ensure your rescue group is one of the lucky 12. The parade entries will be judged by local celebrities from news and television.

Register now online. doggypartyontheplaza. com

Events 1.7.17 - 1.8.17 64th Annual Houston Cat Club Charity Cat Show 10am-5pm Saturday 9am-4pm Sunday $4-$9 Humble Civic Center 8233 Will Clayton Pkwy., 77338 Join the fun at one of Houston's largest local cat shows. This annual show takes place

Visit the Humble Civic Center for our favorite Annual Houston Cat Club Charity Cat Show!

over two days and features all your favorite breeds.

Check out all the beautiful, award winning cats and learn something new about felines. houstoncatclub.org

1.26.17 - 2.5.17 Acro-cats Cat Circus and Rock Band Start Times Vary, $23-$33 The Pilot / Freneticore 5102 Navigation Blvd., 77011 The Acro-Cats performance is a guaranteed to impress as expertly trained cats perform tricks with various hoops, tumblers, skateboards, hoisting flags, reading signs, even rolling balls over parallel ropes. This amazing spectacle also includes performing

mice, rats and even a cat versus chicken bowling show-down!

Ring leader Samantha Martin redefines the humananimal bond, highlighting the remarkably intelligent and wonderfully curious feline personalities that create the Acro-Cats experience. circuscats.com

2.11.17 Best Friends Brunch Benefitting aniMeals on Wheels 11:30am Hotel ZaZa 5701 Main St, 77005 Look forward to this fun annual brunch that benefits a great cause. www.imgh.org

2.11.17 Wiener Dog Races/Dog Day at the Track 6pm, $7-$30 Sam Houston Race Park 7575 North Sam Houston Pkwy W., 77064 Anyone can bring their dog to witness this fun event, family dogs may enter the Pavilion and watch the races. Please keep all dogs on a leash, bring clean up supplies, and bring a copy of your dog’s shot records. shrp.com

2.15.17 FIX FELIX FOR FREE AT HHS Houston Humane Society Wellness Clinic 14700 Almeda Rd., 7053

Houston Humane Society will neuter 700 male cats for free at the HHS Animal Wellness Clinic. Cat owners must have an appointment and there is a limit of 5 cats per person. Domesticated and feral cats qualify and each feline must be in a plastic crate or carrier. A current rabies vaccination is required by law. Pet owners must show proof of current rabies certificate, or they may purchase a rabies vaccine for their cat the day of the event.

Pet owners can request an appointment by email at fixfelix@houstonhumane.org or by phone at 713-433-6421. houstonhumane.org

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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The Dish

FOR RENT

FREE RENT!

Animal Hospital Wan

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2.18.17 Puppy Up Houston 12-3pm, $20 Registration Fee for Participants Rob Fleming Park & Lodge 6055 Creekside Forest Drive Spring, TX 77389 Join this pup loving group for a fun run in the Woodlands. See article on page 58. www.puppyup.org

2.25.17

Asking $1 a SQUARE FOOT!!

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Putts for Paws 7am-2pm, Starting at $125 Per Player Hermann Park Golf Course 1255 North MacGregor Way, 77030 Houston Pets Alive! is hosting its first annual golf tournament, Putts for Paws, on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Hermann Park Golf Course. Come play golf and help raise money for Houston’s homeless pets. houstonpetsalive.org

2.25.17 Bark for Life at Riverstone 9am-1pm, $20 The Club at Riverstone, 18353 University Blvd, Sugarland, TX 77479 Riverstone will be the site of a canine-friendly fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Bark for Life of Riverstone, presented

by Lake Olympia Animal Hospital, is a non-competitive walk for dogs and their humans.

The event celebrates cancer survivorship and honors the care-giving qualities of fourlegged companions while

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supporting the mission of the ACS. “Bark for Life is going to be a fun family day where people can come together to recognize the support, love and healing dogs can provide cancer patients,” said Nick Deacon, lifestyle director for Riverstone and the organizer of this event.

The event will feature a short walk followed by canine performances such as the Houston Disc Dogs.

Pup and family-friendly activities include a DJ, face painting, contests, inflatables, balloon twisters and food trucks, as well as vendors offering a variety of pooch-worthy items.

“The goal is to raise $10,000 for cancer research and local area businesses have been generous,” said Deacon. “I’d like to thank Lake Olympia Animal Hospital and Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Sugar Land for their support.”

Registration for Bark for Life is a $20 donation for canines. Owners who register online can save $5 by using the code BARK2017.

The first 500 people to register will receive a doggie bag full of goodies. Humans without dogs can attend at no charge and will have the opportunity to “Adopt a Dog for the Event” through the local animal shelters.

All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

For more information about Bark for Life, visit www.relayforlife.org/ barkriverstonetx

The Dish

72nd Pin Oak Charity Horse Show March 22 - April 2 By: Laura Pennino for The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show

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Oak Charity Horse Show each year is to contribute a collective six-figure donation to its designated charities to support the healing of sick children. Since its inception, The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has contributed a total gift that is approaching $7 million for its three designated children’s charities: Texas Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Houston Family Rooms, and Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Alliance.

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show attracts 1,200 horses each week and approximately 2,000 exhibitors from around the country including riders from Mexico and Canada. An award-winning horse show, Pin Oak was the first to receive the coveted United States Equestrian Federation’s Heritage Competition designation.

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show welcomes donations of any amount.

For more information and to explore ways to become part of The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show tradition, please visit pinoak.org, follow Pin Oak on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter; or call 713-621-6290.

PetTalk Magazine is proud to be an in-kind media partner and supporter of The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show.

Look for a feature story with photos on The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in the March issue of PetTalk Magazine.

Photo by Tricia Booker

Photo by PWL Studio

A

nyone who loves horses, ponies, and children will be in for a special treat this spring when one of the nation’s most iconic charity horse shows returns to the greater Houston area.

Spectators attending the 72nd Pin Oak Charity Horse Show will enjoy Olympic caliber equestrian competition March 22 through April 2, 2017.

In addition to experiencing amateur and professional equestrian events at the show, visitors can enjoy concessions from food trucks and shop for clothing, boots, jewelry, artwork and pet treats.

This family-friendly horse show will be held at The Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 South Mason Road in Katy, Texas 77450. Most events are free and open to the public.

Patrons are welcome to pack their own foods and beverages. Parking is also free.

Established in 1945 in Houston, The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is one of the oldest and most prestigious charity horse shows in the nation. The primary philanthropic goal of The Pin

Bark For Life of presented by

Lake Olympia Animal Hospital

Take a Bite Out of Cancer!

• Houston Disc • Balloon Twisting Dogs Performance • Food Trucks • Live Disc Jockey • Dog Contests • Pet Vendors • Face Painting

Saturday, February 25th, 2017 9:00am-1:00pm

The Club at Riverstone

18353 University Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479

All Proceeds Benefit

relayforlife.org/barkriverstonetx

play daycare • boarding • spa

1315 Waugh Drive Houston, TX 77019

713-522-8144 www.dogdaycare.com Houston PetTalk Magazine

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The Dish

Tails of Love A PetTalk Photo Contest

Sponsored by VERGI 24/7

W

e all love our pets, and this February we want you to tell us your "Tail of Love" with a photo!

Submit a photo of your pet (or with your pet), showing the bond you share. From kisses and hugs to kibbles and bits, we want to see your best representation of the shared love between pets and people.

Each submission is an entry to win a gift basket from VERGI 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care Clinic, plus your photo will be published in Houston PetTalk Magazine!

The contest entry period is February 1-18, and voting will take place from February 19-28. Public voting will choose the top entries, and the final First Prize selection will be made by a panel of judges.

About VERGI

V

ERGI 24/7 is a special Emergency and Critical Care Hospital providing continuous, 24/7 doctor and nursing care for the safety and welfare of patients. Conveniently located in the heart of Houston, their staff maintains the highest technical skill in all aspects of veterinary critical care and are dedicated to providing a “home away from home” environment for all patients.

VERGI also offers a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and external laboratories. This means they can diagnose and make a comprehensive assessment of your pet’s emergency needs quickly. They strive to offer sound advice, optimal veterinary care and will do everything in their power to make sure you spend many happy, healthy years with your pet. Simply said, VERGI's motto is "We Save Lives"! Learn more about VERGI 24/7 by visiting www.vergi247.com.

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"Celebrate Love" by Jim Tweedy

Need Some Ideas For Expressing Your Love?

Look No Further Than The Animal Kingdom

1. Penguins express love 2.

3.

4.

5.

to potential partners by giving them a pebble.

Otters hold hands while they are sleeping next to each other because they are afraid they'll drift apart. They also have a pouch under their forearm to store food and their favorite rocks.

Sandhill cranes, prairie voles, black vultures, wolves and bald eagles are all known to mate for life.

Male and female zebrafish change colors when they mate.

Seahorses court each other for days before mating, often engaging in dancing rituals during this time. Once the female has deposited

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her eggs in the male’s pouch, she checks on the male daily.

Polar bears use a noseto-nose greeting when they’re asking another bear for something, like food. If a bear uses proper manners, they’ll be allowed to share.

If your cat head butts you, it’s a sign of marking something as safe, which means she trusts you.

Elephants will entwine their trunks as a sign of affection.

Surprise your pet lover this Valentine's Day with a whimsical keepsake that will make them smile. Jim Tweedy Art Print, 11x14" giclee on paper available at hollywoodframegallery.com.

Nobody Loves Poo

P

oo. As pet owners we all deal with it. It's not any fun, but that's just the way it rolls.

Our friends at Poo the Rescue will take that doody duty off your hands, and a subscription to the service is the perfect gift to say, "I love you so much I don't want you to touch poo," to Se

the pet lover in your life.

Lucky for our favorite pet lovers out there, Poo the Rescue is offering a great coupon this month, $20 off your first month of service.

Set up your service online at pootherescue.com.

$20 Off e page

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Unleashed CITIZENS FOR ANIMAL PROTECTION GALA

The

Roaring

20's!

Gregg and Jo Lynn Falgout with Bruiser

Jacob, Laura, Elizabeth and Alan Stein Brian Teichman, Pamela Wright and Andy Cordes

David and Yanira Huntington with Anita and Koko

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Gloria Meszaros, Kappy Muenzer and Frank Meszaros

Jett and Officer Krause

Having fun at CAP Gala

Jess and Cathy Marion

Alexandra and Stephen Gill with Bailey

Photos by Daniel Ortiz

K

nown as one of the best galas in town, CAP's annual Celebrity Paws Gala was another roaring success. Yes, ROARING was the theme with attendees channeling their 1920's style as they sipped cocktails, bid on auction items, viewed the Top 10 Honoree displays and watched some fabulous entertainment.

Emcee Deborah Duncan of Great Day Houston kept the party rockin'! Many thousands of dollars were raised for the animals in CAP's care and what could be better than a fun party that saves the lives of many homeless pets? Even Henrietta enjoyed her annual chance to don her favorite ball gown!

Nichole Christoph, Michelle Sacks, Rania Makarious

Wor l

Photo Credit: Priscilla Dickson

L

ots of smiles were found at the annual PetSet Giving party held at Smith & Wollensky.

PetSet is a charitable organization that raises money to gift to an array of worthy local pet charities. Reps from many rescues and shelters were happy to receive their check and use the funds to help the animals in their care. Nice work PetSet!

Pet Grooming & Boarding

Soak | Relax | Enjoy

rt eso

f Pets &R o d

PetSet Gifting Party

Bailey Dalton-Binion, Ellen Weitz

15622 Silver Ridge Dr., Houston, TX 77090

Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pm

Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist

Elizabeth Sacks, Judy Nichols

Lauren Postler, Pegah Pourasef, Elly Pourasef

Memorial City Mall Photos with Santa

P

ets and their people scurried to Memorial City Mall for winter wonderland photos with Santa. PetTalk was on hand to join in the fun!

Michelle Mantor & Sandy Giraldo

(832) 446-6729 Please call for appointment.

Walk-ins Welcome.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

H

ouston PetTalk is soley supported by advertising dollars so every time you visit one of our advertising partners, you are helping ensure that we can continue to bring you information on all things pet and to support our pet rescue community.

Ahh..so sweet!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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The a

Enchanted Forest A SHOWCASE OF ADOPTABLE FRIENDS

BY MICHELLE MANTOR, PHOTOS BY EVIN THAYER, MAKEUP BY TREE VAELLO, STYLING BY SHAUNE BAGWELL, ANIMAL WRANGLING BY MONICA SCHMIDT OF HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY, SPECIAL THANKS TO MEMORIAL GLENN POOL FOR STAGING AREA.

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The Californian rabbit has big ears and weighs around 10 to 12 pounds. This breed's coloration is similar to the Himalayan, with a white body and colored points. This beautiful bunny was part of a seizure and at press time, 2 of the 8 rabbits rescued were still up for adoption.

Model: Gabrielle McTopy

O

nce upon a time in a forest on the edge of Buffalo Bayou, enchanted and unique animals gathered with beautiful and benevolent humans in hopes of finding a home filled with love. Through no fault of their own, these furry creatures had been left homeless with no one to care tor them.

On this beautiful day, the animals and humans bonded together for a common goal - to show Houstonians a sample of the lovable pets that await them at Houston Humane Society. From the South American forest-dwelling coatimundi to the beguiling California rabbit, would one ever imagine such distinctive beings living right under our Bayou City noses?

Oh how the piglet makes us smile and the beauty of the horse makes us long for a gallop across a field. The tiny Boston Terrier with only one eye makes us sigh. No little soul should have felt so much pain in its young lifetime.

This forest is enchanted we know because no place is as captivating as one filled with God’s array of life. If ever there comes a time when you feel the yearning for holding a furry animal or stroking a creatures back, look no further than a temporary home of support - a shelter of love.

Give this fairy tale a happy ending.

Come forth, declare your open heart and find the huggable creature of your dreams. Vow to watch over them, cherish them and live happily and peacefully together for the rest of your lives.

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The End a Houston PetTalk Magazine

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This cute little Boston Terrier bundle of love had suffered an eye injury when surrendered to HHS. The shelter performed surgery to remove his eye and he never skipped a beat. Friendly and fun, like most Boston Terriers, he captured the hearts of everyone at the shelter. Did you know that HHS can perform many types of surgeries on the animals in their care to prepare them for adoption, including spay and neuter of every animal before it can be adopted.?

Model: Aiden Morgensteren

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This cuddly kitten represents the many kittens and cats looking for love at HHS. They come in all colors and sizes and personalities. Cats reproduce rapidly in our climate so if you already have a cat, please spay or neuter. Plus, if you know of feral cats in your area that need sterilization, check out HHS's Fix Felix For Free on page 18.

Model: Shaune Bagwell

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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This beautiful paint horse, possibly with some Paso Fino background, was seized from a neglect case along with another severely starved horse who were living in deplorable conditions. Once saved by HHS, he was adopted just after this photoshoot and is now the proud owner of Houston PetTalk Editor, Michelle Mantor, who found him too charming to resist. Yes, that’s right, he owns her and she is thrilled with his progress. He has gained weight and is progressing nicely in his training and behavior.

We are pretty sure you will see this guy in the magazine again in the future!

Model: Skyler Knight

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Let’s face it, piglets are adorable and this little gal is no exception. HHS seized a number of animals in an abuse and neglect case, including two pot-bellied pigs.

Turns out those pigs were pregnant and shortly after HHS had over 20 piglets.

At press time, many had been adopted but a few still remain. Pot bellied pigs are another pet that people THINK they want until they see how large they become. Yes, pigs are very smart and can be good pets but know what you are getting. They can weigh between 100 and 300 lbs so if you choose to adopt a pot-bellied pig, get ready to have lots of pig to love!

Model Cabe Nowlen

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Meet Lucilille, a friendly German Shepherd turned in to HHS by her owner who was unprepared for a dog that had lots of energy and needed an active owner. Her breed is intelligent and active, meaning she needs exercise and mental stimulation to be a balanced pet. Thousands of healthy dogs are surrendered to shelters daily because the pet owner was uneducated about the type of pet they were bringing into their home. Bottom line: do your homework. Understand the characteristics, care, time and money involved to provide the pet a stable, healthy and fun home.

Model: Johnathan Daviss

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There are few creatures on earth cuter than a puppy. Those innocent eyes, puppy breath and playful demeanor are hard to resist. Many puppies and dogs, which make excellent pets for all types of pet owners, are available at HHS. If a dog is your fancy, consider finding your next true love in a shelter.

Through March,, HHS is offering 1/2 off adoption fees for dogs and cats.

Model Veronica Olivarez

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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What the heck is that animal you might be asking. This cute little creature is a Coatimundi–definitely not the typical seizure for HHS. Haling from South America, the Coati is a distant cousin to the raccoon.

This fella and three other Coati were part of an abandonment case and HHS stepped in to save them. As you can see, you never know what species you might find at HHS! Models: Skyler Knight and Jaden Daviss

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

35

(281) 835-4445 14420 Fondren Rd, Missouri City, 77489 One block south of Beltway 8 on Fondren.

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We provide both peace of mind and outstanding pet care.

Plus we guarantee your satisfaction!

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Providing Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals on Galveston Island since 1974

409.797.5500 • sandnsea.com

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! e v o o r g e h t o t n i Get Get moving with your pet The new year is a time when many make resolutions to get fit, get in shape, and get into the groove of moving more. As important as it is for us to be healthy and fit, it's just as pertinent to get your pet moving, too.

These are our favorite picks for starting the new year on the right paw.

Balance bone

The K9FITbone is a balancing trainer for pets that helps build your dog's core muscles, body awareness, and balance. fitpawusa.com, $70

bike basket

Bicycling is great for cardio, and you can bring your pet with you in this bike basket for small pets. Just attach it to any bike and you can bring your best buddy anywhere. snoozerpetproducts.com, $70

Wheel And deal

The "One Fast Cat" is something you've probably never considered. Although it requires some training, it's a great addition to any cat loving household. amazon.com, $199

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doga mat

Yoga with your dog (doga) has become quite popular. Folks are even involving their kitties in their routine! Get yourself a yoga mat to protect yourself from hard floors. walmart.com, $5-$10

helping hand

A hands-free leash is perfect for jogging. Keep your pet close while freeing your hands, making your next run with your dog easier than ever before. Just buckle the band around your waist and take off running! sportleash.com, $35

Bubble Backpack

Take your small pet anywhere you go with this fun bubble backpack that even sports a window. This unique design is sure to impress. amazon.com, $116

Kibble carrier

Kurgo's Kibble Carrier is basically a waterproof wet bag for feeding your pet on the go. It keeps your kibble dry and safe, so you can get out on the water with your dog. kurgo.com, $15

Rover rucksack

When you're on a hike it's hard to carry everything, so have your pet help. This doggy backpack is great for treats or snacks. naturalpetfoods.ca, $22

Rolling rodents

The Hamtrack Exercise Loop is a great way to let your hammy run wild without the danger of losing your little pal. petco.com, $9

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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201f7YEAR

COLOR O

Cuddly Budgie

Your budgie will peep with joy at this entertaining and cute looking chevron printed tube for sleep or play time. petology.com, $16

"GREENERY" PAIRS WELL WITH: Neutrals, brights, deeper shades, pastels, metallics.

We love color! Each January, we showcase the Pantone Institute's Color of the Year, giving you a peek at the latest trend in color and how you can integrate it into your lifestyle with your pet.

Michelle Mantor Editor-in-Chief, Houston PetTalk Magazine

Afternoon Delight

Hanging out in the shade is way more awesome when you're inside a giant piece of cake. You can even buy a whole set! amazon.com, $195

Leafy greens Snuggle Sack

Cuddly, cozy, warm and fuzzy. This hanging bird bed will keep your birdie warm and toasty. petsolutions. com, $6-12

Dream Pod HARNESS THE POWER OF GREEN ENERGY

For dogs who are not comfortable with harnesses that go over their head, this harness has a velcro strip on top so getting ready to go is easy. amazon.com, $22

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This awesome cat bed can come with or without an internal heating device to keep Kitty warm. amazon.com, $42

This pretty bowl is just the right thing to remind you of summer. kessinhouse.com, $28

Green machine

The VIVO Pet Stroller provides first class travel for your lovable pet! Whether you are taking a quick stroll around the block or a jog through the park, this durable 4-wheeled stroller makes for a safe and smooth ride. Features include three zipper access points to conveniently get your pet in and out. rakuten.com, $89

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Health Dental Care Two Cases Show Importance Of A Healthy Mouth By: Kate Lawrence | Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists www.gcvs.com

M

ost of us brush our teeth at least twice a day, starting when we first begin to see our teeth come in, to prevent tartar, plaque and bad breath. If you’ve ever wanted to find out what it would look like if you didn’t brush, though, the answer is not far away - just take a peek into your

gums are at risk for the same types of dental problems that we suffer from as humans…as well as some unexpected problems that are exclusive to dogs and cats.

At Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS), our board-certified veterinary dentist, Dr. Chanda Miles, has seen it all. We recently

Apollo and Dr. Miles at his one year recheck

dog or cat's mouth! Dental health for our pets has come a long way, but many pet owners don't realize that their pet's teeth and

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sat down with Dr. Miles and asked her to give us an example of a “routine” dental case, and also a “unique” dentistry case.

Apollo at his initial evaluation

Dr. Miles’s pick for her unique case came in the form of a sweet, happy puppy named Apollo.

Apollo, a very young mixed breed puppy, had been horrifically mistreated.

Apollo, his mother, and his siblings had been used as bait dogs in a dog fighting ring, and he was the only one to survive. As Dr. Miles evaluated Apollo, it became clear that his situation was dire. Apollo had suffered more maxillary (upper jaw) fractures than any other animal she had ever seen in her career. In addition, Apollo had a puncture wound on the roof of his mouth, causing a hole that communicated with his nose. It was a tricky situation - Apollo needed extensive surgery to repair the damage. But he has a spirit that just wouldn’t quit and Dr. Miles recently saw Apollo back for his ONE YEAR recheck! He’s still as sweet as he can be, and doing great.

The case Dr. Miles chose for her “routine” case wasn’t life-threatening, but it was no less dramatic! Dr. Miles got a call from a pet owner who was very worried about her dog, Paxton.

Paxton, a middle-aged mixed breed, was chattering his jaw when his owner would try and give his chin some scratches. When Dr. Miles and her team were able to evaluate Paxton, it turned out that several of his incisors (the tiny teeth at the very front of a dog’s mouth, between the canines), had such extensive periodontal disease that at least one of the teeth was loose enough to wiggle every time Paxton licked his lips or closed his jaw. How painful! Paxton’s surgery wasn’t nearly as extensive as Apollo’s, but the happiness his owner felt when he came home pain-free was exactly the same.

Dental health is considered by many to be the foundation for maintaining good overall health for our pets, and your family veterinarian is a great resource for preventative care, and maintenance of your pet's dental needs. For instances where a more specialized dental procedure or service is required (like Apollo or Paxton), however, a referral and consultation with a veterinary dentist could be warranted, so check with your family veterinarian to give your pet a solid foundation of health for the future!

Unparalleled Level of Patient Care Tracy T. McAdoo D.V.M. Lynda L. Case D.V.M. Lindsey B. Hipke D.V.M. Stacy A. O'Malley D.V.M. Tina L. Pilgram D.V.M Phone: 713.802.2366 Fax: 713.802.2490

2324 Shearn Street Houston, Texas 77007

e-mail: info@whvetclinic.com www.whvetclinic.com

Houston PetTalk Magazine

45

Health

Proper Nail Health Finding The Right Routine By: Rebekah Sparks,owner of Sparky’s Spa | www.sparkysspa.com

I

n my profession of grooming, we come across dogs of all breeds, shapes, and sizes. The biggest form of negligence I think we see is nail health. I am not saying it’s intentional neglect, either. Often times these

needs. Every dog is different and requires a different level of maintenance based on the diet, overall health, and genetics.

Often I’ll receive a client who has been on a fairly regular schedule, yet the nails just seem to

Trimmed nails

address the problem and get the dog back on track. However, some dogs simply cannot have their nail schedules stretched as far apart as their hair schedules. Quick trips into the salon or vet for nail trims between grooming can help with this problem.

Owners themselves are often unable to or do not feel comfortable addressing the nail health themselves at home. There are solutions for this as well as using local mobile salon services, where mobile groomers bring their equipment and expertise right to the owner’s door.

Health Concerns

Quick

Photo by Misty Reed

Nail negligence at 16 weeks

dogs are on semi-regular schedules that are just stretched a bit too far apart for what that particular dog

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be a problem to maintain. Adding a nail-filing service if the dog will tolerate this usually helps

Improper nail care can have devastating results. Split nail beds can be very uncomfortable for a dog and cause incessant licking or chewing. This can possibly result in a lick granuloma, fungal or bacterial growth, blackheads, soars, etc. Split nail beds can also lead to broken nails or hangnails. It can be alarming waking up to a dog hung up on a blanket or rug in the middle of the night because of a bad nail.

If nails are permitted to overgrow for a prolonged period of time, conditions that are more serious can form. The tarsals begin to splay and separate, and this literally changes the bones in the feet themselves. The dog’s ability to walk and stand can be affected permanently.

The longer the nails get, the longer the quick gets,

thus making preventive maintenance increasingly more difficult, as the nail can no longer be brought back as needed without a sedative or painkiller. And no one wants to walk around on nubby toes!

Properly kept nails should not click on your floor. The dogs’ toes should be straight, with no bend or roll that adds unnatural pressure to the pad or joints. Healthy nails will be durable, not brittle or hollow.

Start puppies as soon as possible with nail trims to get them accustomed to the noises and the pressure of a trimmer or grinder. A professional groomer, trainer, or vet should be able to assist with these techniques or lead you in the right direction and help make and recommendations based on the behavior and habits of the dog. Regular grooming (even for shorthaired pets) can help both maintain nails and prevent nail concerns. A good schedule rotation is between two to six weeks, although occasionally we do recommend a pet come in more frequently.

Rebekah is an awardwinning pet stylist and owner of Sparky's Spa. She is a proud supporter of Great Dane Rescue of Southeast Texas, www. saveadane.org for whom she originally wrote this article. She also created the colorful style sported by the miniature Poodle on our Jan 2016 cover.

Health

Pet Emergencies Preparing A Plan For The Unexpected By: Laura Noaker, Vergi Emergency and Critical Care Hospital | www.veri247.com

I

f you’re a pet parent, chances are that at some point you will spend time in a veterinary emergency hospital.

Murphy’s law tells us that an emergency will probably happen on a weekend, holiday or when your primary care veterinarian’s office is closed. So what do you do?

It’s always wise to have

including any allergies and the names of any medications they take. It’s easy to do and can save valuable time and even save your pet’s life. All you need is a small index card that can be kept in your wallet or vehicle. Many pet parents keep a medical file folder with their pet’s information. It’s wise to have a copy in there as well.

are, add that emergency contact phone to your index card. These simple steps could help alleviate the stresses of an emergency and be a key to the success of your pet’s quick treatment.

In case of an emergency, there are 5 simple steps you can follow to guide you through the process.

1. Phone your primary care veterinarian first.

If they are not available, they will direct you to an emergency hospital that they have a relationship with and trust.

2. It is important to remain calm and protect yourself.

Animals in pain often

slowly, and gently. Then secure your pet (a kennel or towel works well) and gently get them into the car to get treatment.

3. It's wise not to attempt home remedies.

You may unintentionally endanger your pet’s life with some "Dr. Google" home remedy! There’s a lot of good and bad information out there but the safest plan is to allow a trained professional to help.

4. Call and let the emergency hospital know you’re coming.

This is not a requirement, but rather an opportunity for the staff to be prepared and waiting to help your pet when you arrive. The more information you can provide about your pet's emergency, the better prepared they can be to help your pet recover.

5. Driving with an injured pet can be difficult.

If possible, get a spouse, neighbor, or friend to drive you to the hospital so you can attend to your pet along the way.

Once you arrive at the emergency hospital, the emergency team will take over from there. With your planning card, you now have all your pet’s information you’ll need to help them take the best care of your beloved pet. an emergency plan in place, just in case you need it. Be sure to have your veterinarian’s phone number, contact information and medical records,

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During your planning process, it’s a good idea to talk to your primary care veterinarian and see if they are associated with an emergency facility. If they

bite so be aware of this factor. Chances are, pets are scared, in pain, and just trying to protect themselves from further injury.

Approach them calmly,

VERGI Emergency and Critical Care hospital offers a free planning guide on their website at www. vergi247.com.

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Wally hit a incar watching is by very and had a fractured spine. the car!!!

He gets on great laid back, well behaved, Afterother twodogs surgeries and with andgets romps quiet playful, and on physical therapy he he canis and plays in the yard, great with the other dogs. now walk, run and play! He approx. years some old and Also,stumbles he1.5 still needs leash still but is just an 15 anddog just that one needs happy a andlbshouse training. amazing little veryguy! special caring home.

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profit rescue group dedicated to saving Shaggy Dogs from B.A.R.C., and H.C.P.H.E.S restoring them to good health and readying them to go to new loving homes, all dogs are spayed/neutered, micro-chipped and fully socialized before adoption.

Please visit our web-site for adoption applications and information on other dogs available, and for donations!

Houstonshaggydogrescue.org Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Health

Drug Danger Is Your Dog At Risk From Certain Medications?

By: Dr. Mark Silberman | Southwest Animal Clinic www.swacvet.com.

such as ivermectin (found in heartworm medication) and loperamide (Imodium).

We recommend testing for the mutant gene if you have a breed that is predisposed.

"As more dogs are tested, more breeds will probably be added to the list of affected breeds.”

Affected Breeds Approximately three of every four Collies in the United States have the mutant MDR1 gene.

The frequency is about the same in France and Australia, so it is likely that most Collies worldwide have the mutation. The MDR1 mutation has also been found in Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties).

Australian Shepherds, Old English Sheepdogs, English Shepherds, German Shepherds, Longhaired Whippets, Silken Windhounds, and a variety

Problem Drugs Many different drugs and drug classes have been reported to cause problems in Collies and other herding breed dogs that carry the MDR1 mutation. WSU and other researchers have documented the toxicity that occurs with several of these drugs.

Drugs that have been documented to cause problems in dogs with the MDR1 mutation include: ❖ Acepromazine - a tranquilizer and pre-anesthetic agent. ❖ Butorphanol an analgesic and pre-anesthetic agent.

❖ ❖ ❖

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to prevent heartworm infection is SAFE in dogs with the mutation (6 micrograms per kilogram), higher doses, such as those used for treating mange (300-600 micrograms per kilogram) will cause neurological toxicity in dogs.

Emodepside Erythromycin Ivermectin (antiparasitic agent). While the dose of ivermectin used

❖

❖

❖

Loperamide - an antidiarrheal agent, ImodiumTM. Selamectin, milbemycin, and moxidectin, which are antaparasitic agents.

Similar to ivermectin, these drugs are safe in dogs with the mutation if used for heartworm prevention at the manufacturer's recommended dose.

Higher doses (generally 10-20 times higher than the heartworm prevention

dose) have been documented to cause neurological toxicity in dogs with the MDR1 mutation.

Vincristine, Vinblastine,

Illustration provided by Wisdom Panel

R

ecent studies have found that some breeds and mixed breeds of dogs have drug sensitivities resulting from a mutation in the multidrug resistance gene (MDR1). This gene encodes a protein, P-glycoprotein that is responsible for pumping many drugs and other toxins out of the brain. Dogs with the mutant gene cannot pump some drugs out of the brain as a normal dog would, which may result in abnormal neurologic signs.

The result may be an illness requiring an extended hospital stay - or even death.

Some dog breeds are more sensitive to certain drugs than other breeds.

Collies and related breeds, for instance, can have adverse reactions to drugs

of mixed breed dogs.

The only way to know if an individual dog has the mutant MDR1 gene is to have the dog tested. As more dogs are tested, more breeds will probably be added to the list of affected breeds.

Doxorubicin. which are chemotherapy agents.

Drugs that are known to be pumped out of the brain by the protein that the MDR1 gene is responsible for producing but appear to be safely tolerated by dogs with the MDR1 mutation include: ❖ Cyclosporin ❖ Digoxin ❖ Doxycycline There are many other drugs that have been shown to be pumped by human P-glycoprotein (the protein encoded by the MDR1 gene), but data is not yet available with regard to their effect in dogs with the MDR1 mutation.

Get Your Dog Tested To be on the safe side,

it's a good idea to have your dog tested and it's an easy test. DNA is obtained from a dog’s blood or from a cheek cell swab. Either sample is allowed because blood is often the sample preferred by veterinary hospitals while cheek swabs are generally preferred by dog owners.

Some Breeds affected by the MDR1 mutation (frequency %) Breed

Approximate Frequency

Australian Shepherd

50%

Australian Shepherd, Mini

50%

Border Collie

< 5%

Collie

70 %

English Shepherd

15 %

German Shepherd

10 %

Instructions for Pet Owners

Herding Breed Cross

10 %

Long-haired Whippet

65 %

If you would like to have your dog tested, Southwest Animal Clinic is offering the test for $125 and as an added benefit, the test will also tell you the ancestry of your dog plus a few other bits of information (see page 41). If you have a mixed breed and have been wondering what Fido's background is, now

McNab

30 %

Mixed Breed

5%

Old English Sheepdog

5%

Shetland Sheepdog

15 %

Silken Windhound

30 %

you can find out while also determining the safety of certain drugs and if they will have a negative, toxic affect for your particular

dog. The test can also be administered by your veterinarian or there are home tests as well.

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Tail End

More Spay/Neuter Planned For Pets In Underserved Houston Communities By: Lynn Rodriquez | www.bigfighouston.org

N

ext February, Unity for a Solution will partner with BARC, Emancipet, the Harris County Animal Shelter, Houston Humane Society and others for Big Fix Houston. This will be the first of what organizers hope is an annual event focusing on Houston's ongoing animal welfare issues, especially overpopulation. Their goal is to provide more spay neuter opportunities for pets in under served communities.

Bretagne

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There will also be outreach throughout February to inform all Houstonians of the animal welfare problems some communities face.

Big Fix Houston is being held in conjunction with National World Spay Awareness month. Mayor Sylvester Turner will kick off events on February 11, 2017, and volunteers, along with BARC, will be at multiple, targeted locations that day signing up pets for free spay neuter, vaccinations and microchips.

This is the first time all the Big Fix Houston partners have collaborated on a citywide effort. “We are so excited about what Big Fix Houston represents for this city,” said Unity member and Barrio Dogs’ founder Gloria Zenteno. “Many of us have worked for years helping the suffering animals we encounter on the streets. We know it will take a joint effort to make real progress.”

Zenteno also explained why spaying and neutering owned dogs and cats is an important step in reducing overpopulation.

Although prohibited by city ordinance, many owners let their pets run loose. If these animals are not fixed, they can produce unwanted litters that also end up on the street or at a shelter.

As such, fixing pets is a priority. Volunteers also plan to talk to owners about the ordinances that apply to their pets as well as the importance of regular vetting and monthly flea and heartworm preventatives.

Big Fix Houston is receiving some city funds but the majority of the money to pay for the surgeries, vaccinations and microchips will come from private donations and grants.

Eli

Organizers estimate the average cost per animal will be $100 and they are hoping to raise $100,000 by next February, an ambitious amount but one they believe is possible through the generosity of fellow Houstonians. They are making a citywide plea for support and also need volunteers to help with community outreach.

This year, free services will be available to residents in zip codes from Third Ward, Fifth Ward, Near Northside, Near Hobby Airport, Sunnyside, South Park, East End, Denver Harbor, Acres Homes and Independence Heights. Organizers realize other neighborhoods would benefit from free services but funding limitations require they focus on neighborhoods with the most need. However, through outreach, Big Fix Houston hopes to inform pet owners of low cost options available around the city. A list of low cost providers is available on their website or email: info@ bigfixhouston.org.

Photos submitted by Big Fix Houston

Big Fix Houston

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Tail End

Cat-To-Cat Introduction “Kitty, Say Hello to Your New…Best Friend?”

❖

❖

By:Catlanna | catlanna.com

M

any of us who have one cat quickly grow to desire a second, or third, or even a fourth cat. Having a family of cats should be easy, right? Think again.

We all know that resident cats are notorious for not getting along with newcomers. We must be mindful of their needs and desires when introducing a new family member, especially because they are social animals. If at all possible, I recommend adopting family members (sibling cats, mother-kitten, etc) because the bond is already established.

For an introduction process, you are going to need the following: ❖ Barriers: Conduct protected exposure sessions between the cats using a mixture of baby gates, crates, and/ or harnesses/leashes. ❖ Hiding Places: Cardboard boxes work great for providing a place for the more timid cat to hide away during Bretagne exposure sessions.

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❖

❖

Safe Space: Provide a private room complete with litter box, scratching post, food, water and toys, where the new cat can adjust to sounds, smells, sights, etc.

Scent Swap: Gather a few clothing items (socks work great!) to gently rub on

❖

meals, interactive toys, attention, physical touch, etc.

Pheromones (Optional): Place in areas that you want to reduce stress.

Mark/Reward Training (Optional): Use operant conditioning to further increase the desire of the cat(s) to become accustomed to one another.

Time: Schedule time every day for at least 2 sessions between the cats. Sessions should start at just 1-2 min each and gradually grow to 10 or more minutes each.

Eli

1.

When you first bring the new cat home, put him/her in the safe space.

After a few days, introduce the scent swap.

Shortly after, start scheduled protected exposure sessions using a barrier. Utilize food and other rewards during sessions to encourage a session without altercations, aggressive behavior and stress.

After the previous steps go consistently well, then start swapping territories while supervised.

Cats should not have any physical contact with each other yet.

Utilize harness training to allow cats to be in the same room together during an exposure session. Condition your cat to accept the harness weeks before this step.

Lastly, conduct exposure sessions where cats are in the room together until they can be unsupervised.

Introduction processes can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year. The less confident cat will determine the pace of the introduction process – not you! If you have any questions, please contact me at ceo@catlanna.com or consult a veterinary behaviorist for help.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

❖

your one cat then leave the item in the other cat’s territory. One item for each cat.

Reinforcements: Gather rewards that you can add to your cat’s environment to increase wanted behaviors.

Examples include treats,

Each introduction plan is based on the layout of the house, the temperament of the cat(s), history, and the pet parent’s time available to conduct exposure sessions. Remember to keep a journal of their behaviors each day. A simplified introduction process is as follows:

B E ST D O G G I E B AG S I N TOW N !

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DON’T LET OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN

KEEP YOUR DOG DOWN HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY OF THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR DOG? Easily gets tired or lags behind on walks

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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Tail End

PuppyUp Houston Walk fter losing his Great Pyrenees Malcolm to bone cancer in 2004, Luke Robinson became grief stricken and extremely angry. As he looked for answers, no one could answer the question why. "I didn't even know dogs got cancer," Robinson said.

braved gale-force winds, sleet, snow, torrential rain, tornadoes, sweltering temperatures, black bears, brown recluses, inhospitable wildlife, and the occasional unfriendly person, all for the love of a dog.

With starts and stops along the way, the journey lasted more than two years.

or participating in walks to raise awareness, and money to fund research to wipe out cancer.

Local Houstonian Kimmey Piper is joining the PuppyUp Foundation's search for answers by organizing the 1st Annual PuppyUp Houston Walk on February 18, 2017, at Rob Fleming Park, located at 6055 Creekside Forest Drive in The Woodlands Township. On site registration will begin at noon and the Walk will start at 2:00pm. Piper is planning a vendor village, entertainment, and more. There will

In 2008, Luke sold his truck, stowed all his belongings, and set out on a cross-country walk from Austin to Boston with his two Great Pyrenees, Hudson and Murphy.

Walking from town to town across 16 states sharing his story about Malcolm, the companion he lost to Bretagne cancer, he and his dogs

"Somewhere on the cross-country walk, I had this vision of starting a grass roots movement to have walks all across the country" stated Robinson.

After the walk ended, The PuppyUp Foundation was founded with the hope that others would join him on his mission by forming walks across the country

be a Memorial Wall where people are encouraged to bring pictures of their loved ones to honor those fighting and to remember those who have lost their battle. Online registration is now open.

"What draws me to the Foundation is its commitment to comparative oncology. I personally have

Taking A Bite Out Of Cancer Submitted By PuppyUp Foundatoin | www.puppyup.org

Foundation is no stranger to the Houston area. Last year they agreed to fund a $100,000 study at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

This funding will be used to study NK Cell Therapy for dogs with bone cancer.

"Natural killer cell immunotherapy uses a subset of the dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own immune

Photo By: Steph Schultz

A

not lost a dog to cancer; however, I lost my Aunt Kathy to Hodgkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lymphoma, as well as witnessed many other relatives and friends battle this horrible disease. I want to do everything in my power to avoid losing another loved one to cancer...human or canine," says Piper.

Kimmey is looking forward to making the PuppyUp Houston Walk a Texas sized success. Please email her at Kimmey@puppyup. org if you would like additional information or to volunteer.

The PuppyUp

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system that is highly effective at killing cancer.

Since human and canine bone cancer are extremely similar, these studies will be used to improve natural killer cell therapy for human bone cancer as well," stated Jennifer Foltz, Graduate Research Assistant.

The PuppyUp Foundation has also funded an additional $500,000 in research in the areas of osteosarcoma, breast and bladder cancer, as well as mast cell tumors. Recipients of our grants include: Princeton with University of Pennsylvania, MIT and Harvard’s Broad Institute, Animal Medical Center with Sloan Kettering, The University of Wisconsin, and Purdue University.

"Cancer affects one in every three dogs and 50% of all dogs over the age of ten will be diagnosed with cancer" says Ginger Morgan, Executive Director of the Foundation.

Early detection is the key to living longer healthier lives. Below is a list of many of the warning signs of cancer:

Loud Odor While “dog breath” is common, if you notice unusually foul odors coming from the mouth, nose or rectal area, it may be due to a tumor.

Lumps or bumps Get into the habit of checking your pet’s skin monthly.

Don’t forget to check behind ears, around the face and tail. If the bump is larger

than a pea, you should visit your veterinarian.

Weight Loss Your pet's weight should remain consistent. Sudden weight loss is a cause for concern.

Loss of appetite If your dog has lost interest in meal times, illness is likely the cause. Many health conditions cause appetite loss.

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Lethargy Learn to tell the difference between a lazy dog and a lethargic one. If he is spending more time sleeping, talk to your veterinarian.

Labored breathing dogs can get lung cancer, and some indicators are coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

Lesions If your dog has an open sore or other wounds that aren’t healing properly, it could be because of a larger medical issue.

Now more than ever, we must continue the fight and support those with cancer, honor the friends we have lost and walk for those we can help. Visit www.puppyup.org for more information.

1st Annual PuppyUp Houston Walk on February 18, 2017, at Rob Fleming Park, located at 6055 Creekside Forest Drive in The Woodlands Township.

Onsite registration will begin at noon and the Walk will start at 2:00pm.

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

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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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n June, the Houston Zoo welcomed a baby sea lion named TJ. She is a superstar in her own right, but it’s the sea lion team who are the real stars in Houston for their work saving animals in the wild.

For two years, a group of Houston Zoo sea lion keepers has made regular trips

By: Jackie Wallace The Houston Zoo

©Stephanie Adams

Houston Zoo Sea Lion Team Remove Marine Debris

to Surfside Beach, TX to clean up the jetty. The team also spends time speaking with fisherman and visitors on the jetty about the dangers that discarded monofilament fishing line poses to marine life like sea lions and sea turtles.

This program has included Houston Zoo staff from 14

departments and resulted in the collection of 729 pounds of trash, 529 pounds of recycling, and 114 pounds of discarded fishing line.

The Surfside jetty is a high-volume fishing area, and especially when the weather is nice, they can find lots of people enjoying a beautiful day fishing off the jetty and beach.

Unfortunately, this comes with a cost. Often, the people visiting leave a trail at the jetty; aluminum cans, bait leftovers and containers, cigarette butts, and a lot of excess monofilament (fishing line). These items are described as marine debris – any man-made item that ends up in the marine ecosystem, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Marine debris is a huge

threat to marine life all over the globe. It poses many different hazards to local wildlife, most commonly ingestion and entanglement. The sea lion team decided it was time for action to be taken!

By partnering with NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association) the Houston Zoo helped install one of the specially designed bins along the Surfside jetty, providing an easy and accessible location to properly dispose of fishing line. Once a month, the team goes down to the jetty and spends a day emptying the monofilament bins and cleaning up the debris left over among the rocks.

The team doesn’t stop at what they can see, they get into the cracks and crevices to get as much as possible. Often plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and large wads of monofilament will get trapped in the cracks between the rocks, and it takes a little extra effort to get it out.

Unfortunately, they cannot get to all the debris in time. On a recent clean up, the team encountered a sea turtle snared in fishing line. The team immediately

alerted NOAA by calling the sea turtle hotline (1-866-TURTLE-5), and followed the instructions to monitor the turtle, stay with it, and report any changes.

Once the rescue team from NOAA arrived, the rescuers removed the monofilament and took the turtle back to the rehabilitation center for additional care and recover.

The turtle is expected to make a full recovery, and will be returned to the Gulf of Mexico when it’s healthy

enough to survive.

There are simple actions everyone can take to help save animals in the wild.

Here are just a few ways to help save marine animals: ❖ Use biodegradable garbage bags and pet waste bags! They break down naturally, and don’t leave harmful chemicals behind. ❖ Visit the Houston Zoo. A portion of tickets purchased goes towards saving animals in the wild!

❖

❖

Avoid using plastic. Buy a reusable water bottle and reusable canvas grocery bags instead of the plastic alternatives. By using a canvas bag, you can eliminate the use of 1,000 single-use plastic bags!

Clean up your beach.

Vow to spend 20 minutes of each beach visit picking up the trash others have left.

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