May 2018

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May 2018

Editorial

2

018 is a lot of things…it’s recovery from Harvey as victims of the flooding begin to move back into their homes after months of construction, it’s a year when a fellow Houstonian won the Masters Golf Championship, it’s the 50th anniversary of the Assistance League of Houston, an organization that helps both children and adults in need.

On a more global level, it’s the Chinese Year of the Dog, a celebration we only get to have fun with once every 12 years, per the Chinese Zodiac calendar.

I was thinking back to the last Chinese Year of the Dog in 2006 (wow…I’ve been doing this a long time!), and remembering a Citizen’s for Animal Protection summer gala held at the Westin Galleria replete with the attendees dressed in their best Asian flair, pups alike. I still have the dress I wore hanging in my closet, purchased from the same Chinese retailer on Harwin that most everyone shopped at for the event. Likely would not fit after 12 years! The fashion show was dazzling and I couldn’t think of a better opportunity to celebrate all things DOG while rockin’ a theme!

Issue 04: Volume 18 www.houstonpettalk.com

Fast forward to today and I thought it would be fun to showcase the most common Chinese breeds of dog in a feature story. To remain true to my passion of staying local, we searched high and low and after many phone calls and social media posts, we were able to find a dog of each of the 8 breeds. From a Chinese Crested, our cover dog, to a Pug and everything in between, we hope you enjoy meeting these Houston doggies while learning a little about the history of the breeds. A big thank you to all the doggy moms and dads that took time from their schedule to make the photoshoot. Plus, I wanted to give a shoutout to a local PetTalk fan, “Stewie”, who also knows how to rock the theme! We appreciate Stewie’s love for fashion and even more, his love for his mommy which we know to be true because he allows her to have fun with his wardrobe!

May is also the month we celebrate MOM - a most important element in the continuation of all species! Moms have a tough job of birthing, protecting and teaching their young but almost every

PetTalk Fan "Stewie"

mom I know finds it a God given privilege to be able to do so, including me. I often see photos from very committed, joyful pet moms and I enjoy watching how they share their love on social media. I figured if I like it, you might too so we asked our Instagram followers to post a photo and complete the sentence in their pet’s words, “I love my Mommy because…”, and the response was so much fun that I wanted to share it with you. Check out some of the posts on page 26 or visit our Instagram page to view them all.

We have some great stories this month...enjoy!

2018 Year of "Tony"

HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE 14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560 www.HoustonPetTalk.com

Say hello to "Tony", whose real

Design and layout by: ANDREW BURWELL www.andrewburwell.com

name is Ch. Les-Lee’s N’Pentastar’s Come Fly With Me. Yep, quite a name for this little fellow who represents one of the 8 common Chinese breeds of dog that we are showcasing to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac.

Tony is a true super-model and super-dog who loves agility, nose work, barn hunt competitions and lure coursing. Impressive!

Photo by Evin Thayer.

© Copyright 2018. 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.

Tell our advertisers you heard about them in Houston PetTalk!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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WHERE

in the

WORLD is PetTalk?

Catch someone reading their PetTalk as they travel the globe? Snap a pic and send to: info@houstonpettalk.com.

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Honduras Paul & June Bruder on their 50th anniversary cruise, with daughter Nicole...thanks for including PetTalk on such a Grand Occasion!

Amsterdam, The Netherlands Constanze Arnold cruising the canals in Amsterdam, enjoying PetTalk!

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Henrietta

G

et ready to be gobsmacked ladies and gents, I have received an invitation to attend the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It’s no rubbish my dears, I’m headed across the big pond for the Royal Wedding 2.0!

I know you’re wondering how a bloke like me could receive such an exclusive invitation. Well, it all went down when Aunt Harriet (who has fancied herself a Lady of English proportions since moving to Britain years back and the nice gentlemen at the antique shop called her "My Lady", which she promptly seized as an official title. Daft that one is!). But I digress.

Calling from her Brownstone, "Enrietta Dahling, God Save The Queen, your favorite Aunt has received the most glorious of invitations to the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Miss Markle. You must come at once my dear and join me for the Royal festivities."

I couldn't find my suitcase, I mean Valise, fast enough.

That night when I slept I dreamed of diamond tiaras, china, curtsies, tea…and crumpets and watercress sandwiches…and champagne with strawberries and cream…and well….I woke up hungry.

Wanting to be sure my face didn’t smack of jet lag, I arrived at Aunt Harriet's a full two weeks before the May 19th wedding, wearing my most fashionable bonnet and tightest girdle (stop laughing!).

I couldn’t wait to get my

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paws on that coveted piece of paper reading: The Lord Chamberlain is commanded

by The Queen to invite...

However, what I found is that in Aunt Harriet’s delusionary, gimlet-pickeled mind she fancied an invitation to the wedding but what she actually had was an invitation to the party of the person giving the party of the person giving the party for a Royal Palace chamber maid. “I’m here, I’m going and if they have Ale, Plonk (aka, cheap wine) or even Turpentine Martinis, I’m going to get my knees up”, I mused and off we went in the next best thing to a Royal Carriage: a 1982 Triumph.

That’s where things went awry. Stopping to take a quick pic of Buckingham Palace, we happened to be just in time for the Changing of the Guard.

Somehow I was mistaken for a bloke named Oliver (must have been the girdle), who was late for work. “It’s abaht tahhm theur sha up. Late art agin last neet? You plonker!”

I have no idea what he said but next thing I knew I was

wearing a fuzzy hat marching up and down the square.

Following the ceremonial march, I was discharged to my Royal duty: First Chamber To The Left of The First Right Chamber To The Right Hallway Dinner Guard. Wow. They’re fairly specific on job assignments. And “Dinner Guard”? Where I come from we call that growling.

Have you heard of the Lap of Luxury? I actually carried the most lavish silver tray laden with

bangers to the Queen’s chamber, wondering why she had a fetish for sausages.

But I quickly found it was not for the Queen but rather for her Welsh Corgi laying full spread across her bed watching Lassie reruns. The Queen grabbed a banger and said ”Here my sweet little butt dumplin”. The Queen just said “butt dumplin”. The Horror! As I left her chamber, my walkie talkie bellowed, “the horse has left the stall” as I saw Prince Charles crossing the hall from one bed chamber to another. Well,

at least he wasn’t wearing a frock. Further down the hall, I stopped to admire the rows of Royal Portraits dating back to the 1800’s. Next to Edward VIII’s portrait was his son who succeeded him, George V, looking at Edward and holding a butcher knife. His idea of getting his old man back for transgressions I assume, you see, Edward had a morbid fear of cutlery. Next was King Henry VIII. Quite a large man for reasons you might guess.

He not only ate like a pig, he ate a lot of pigs. According to records, in one year, the King and his court devoured 1,240 oxen, 8,200 sheep, 2,330 deer, 760 calves, 1,870 pigs, 53 wild boar and a multitude of fish and sea life including a whale. This food was washed down with 600,000 gallons of ale. I gotta say...that’s my kinda King!

After a full day of servitude for the certifiable, I headed to the kitchen. It would take Scotland Yard to find it in this monstrous building but no need, the Henrietta nose did just fine. I helped myself to roasted pork, buttered vegetables, fish and chips and Yorkshire pudding. A truly royal gastronomic moment.

But alas, I didn’t want to live among the Royal loonies even though they made tail accommodations in my guard suit.

I can’t believe I’m saying this but I miss my mum.

So off I went with a farewell to all: “God Save The Queen... or at least the Crown Jewels.”

Illustration by Jim Tweedy, colorized by Desiree Lonsway

On Britannia & The Royal Wedding 2.0

Title SPONSOR: Houston Dog Ranch

Premium SPONSOR: Arne’s Warehouse Pet Supply Store Club Westside

Specialty SPONSORS:

The Best Doggy Party In Town - Paws Down!

I

t’s possible that we are a little biased but PetTalk’s 9th Annual Doggy Party on the Plaza, with Title Sponsor Houston Dog Ranch, is the coolest doggy celebration in Houston! Held April 7th at CityCentre, the day began with Great Day Houston host Deborah Duncan kicking off the party for Houston dog lovers and their pets, followed by Unstoppable K9's entertaining demo of doggy skills, and lots of prize giveaways to the crowd (think $10 gift cards to The Yard House, $25 Gift Cards to Hemline and many more…yeah, you

shouldn’t have missed this party!).

Next up, was KHOU's David Paul who emceed the One-Of-A-Kind Rescue Me Parade sponsored by North Freeway and Humble Hyundai where rescue groups strutted their pups and floats to win prizes. Adding to the fun was a Relaxing Doggy Lounge sponsored by The Yard House, Rescue Row sponsored by VERGI 24/7, Free Photos sponsored by Peace, Love & Dogs and Nature Dog Photography, entertainment plus shopping. Enjoy these photos by Nature Dog Photography that truly captured the spirit of the day!

Parade: North Freeway Hyundai and Humble Hyundai Doggy Lounge: The Yard House Rescue Row: Vergi 24/7 Photo Booth: Peace, Love & Dogs T-Shirt Sponsor: Rover’s Romphouse Stage: City Councilman Greg Travis Special Thanks to Nature Dog Photography for Photo Booth and Event Photos and Poo The Rescue for keeping the party clean!

Major In-Kind SPONSORS: Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists Mercy Pet Clinic Patti's Pet Depot

Rescue Me Parade Congratulations to CAP as the winner of the Rescue Me Parade.

e Mantor Lonsway & Michell Co-Chairs Desiree ez nd Paul & Lisa Herna with KHOU's David

KHOU's David Paul promising warm weather next year at the 10th Anniversary so don't miss it!

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Day Houston says, Deborah Duncan of Great e your puppy!" hav "Yes, I would like to

Parade judges

Freddy Cruz of KRBE and Sara h Pepper of Mix 96 .5

HOUSTON DOG RANCH

Everything is always fun at "The Ranc

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Peace, Love &

Dogs showing off their new t-shirts. We dig it!

It wouldn't be a doggy party without some cute adoptables from BARC!

to events, everyone is all smiles...in

cluding the dogs!

es

Lone Star Pet Lodg

e of the & Pet Supplies - on to help Arne's Warehouse dy rea s Arne's is alway original sponsors, ! als anim

Hyundai's new

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the crowd.

Houston City Councilman Greg Travis Houston PetTalk Magazine

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FROM PRIZES TO PARADE...

"I ain't Lion man,

DJ NOS rockin the party!

!

Spring Flowers were popping up everywhere with GB Golden Retriever Rescue

Prize winner for the biggest dog. Ya think?

Parade rescue groups touting the message of Adopt Don't Shop, rescue a pet when you can!

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Photos By: Nature Dog Photography

Lani’s Lucky Shepherds strut their stuff

this is the best doggy party in town!

IT'S THE BEST DOGGY FUN IN HOUSTON!

Big dogs? Nope, it's HPD Mounted Patrol supporting the doggy party!

Did you say party???

Sunset Animal Hospital's mascot makes everyone smile...

A Bow Wow Luau wowed the crow

d.

Local Rescue Groups showed their

creativity and love for their animals as they competed for prizes in the one-of-a-kind Rescue Me Para de.

ration

pressive demonst

im Unstoppable K9's

Poo The Rescue Mascot: "Scooper" jammin' in the parade!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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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, May 19th, 2018 9:00am-1:00pm

FREE & Open to the Public All Proceeds Benefit

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The Club at Riverstone

18353 University Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479 relayforlife.org/barkriverstonetx Thank You To Our Sponsors

NOW YOU CAN SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR BELOVED PET IN THE COMFORT OF HOME...

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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The Dish

H

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

Head to: pettalkgofetch.com/event

FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS, DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP OR VISIT: WWW.PETTALKGOFETCH.COM a special event you don’t want to miss!

Come out and see the fabulous fashion show being presented by League City Animal Shelter and Bay Area Turning Point. This fundraiser helps woman along with their pets that are in abusive situations find a way out. www.bayareaturningpoint.org

Chihuahua de Mayo!

05.19.18 Bark for Life at Riverstone 9:00am-1:00pm The Club at Riverstone 18353 University Blvd., Sugar Land, Texas 77479 See page 21.

Save the Date: 06.08.18-06.10.18 Equialcced Event

Events

live gold fish, koi, and several wonderful water. Lillieshoustonpondsociety.com.

05.05.18

05.08.18

Chihuahua de Mayo

Spring Fling

Houston Humane Society 14700 Almeda Rd. Join Houston Humane Society on May 5th for a Chihuahua de Mayo celebration featuring a yummy food truck, family friendly refreshments, and fun for the everyone! All chihuahuas and chi-mixes will have specially reduced priced adoption fees throughout the event.

6:00pm-9:00pm Karbach Brewery, 2032 Karbach St. Join K-9 Angel Rescue with their annual fundraiser to help with the homeless animals of Houston. Enjoy a fresh brewed beer from Karbach.

Find details at: pettalkgofetch.com/event/ spring-fling.html.

05.06.18-05.07.18

Dogs & Divas Fashion Show/Lunch

Houston Backyard Pond & Water Garden Tour 10:00am-5:00pm Bring the family to enjoy the scenic views of lovely ponds and water gardens with

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05.17.18 11:00am-2:00pm South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center 2500 South Shore Blvd League City, Texas 77573 If you like fashion and love dogs this is

Five Horses, LLC 17545 Mathis Road Waller, Texas 7748 Enjoy this wonderful weekend getaway, learn to find inner peace, reflect and let the horses teach you how to find the real you. This event is the perfect place to slip away for a relaxing weekend out of the busy city life.

07.18.18-07.22.18 Houston World Series of Dog Shows NGR Center 8400 Kirby Drive Houston, Texas 77054 Share your love of dogs at one of the finest indoor dog shows in America. See dogs come, sit, stay and run as they compete in different events to show off their uniqueness, beauty, strength, speed and dexterity. Plus, don't miss the shopping with lots of vendors and of course, the PetTalk booth will be offering past issues and our famous spinning wheel and face painting...see you there!

Happenings

EVENT

Riverstone and Canines Unite for Bark for Life May 19

M

ighty mutts, purebred pups and two-legged friends will unite in Riverstone to strut their stuff and take a bite out of cancer during Bark for Life, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, May 19.

Presented by Lake Olympia Animal Hospital, Bark for Life is a non-competitive walk for dogs and their owners that honors the care-giving qualities of man’s best friend. The annual event takes place at The Club at Riverstone, 18353 University Boulevard.

“Bark for Life is a very special event,” said Nick Deacon, Lifestyle Director for Riverstone. “It’s an opportunity to honor cancer survivors, both human and canine, while remembering those we've lost and raising funds that ultimately will save lives.”

According to the Animal Cancer Foundation, more than six million dogs are diagnosed with cancer each year.

When it comes to humans with cancer,

studies show that animal-assisted therapy can decrease anxiety and pain, lower blood pressure and help alleviate depression, while offering welcome companionship and a positive distraction from treatment schedules and worries.

“Dogs are the stars of this event,” Deacon said. “It doesn’t matter if they are caregivers, cancer survivors themselves or just great dogs, we are taking time out to celebrate them. They love us unconditionally and it feels great to do something like this.”

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. Animal rescue organizations will be helping pets find “fur-ever” homes with lucky humans.

One big change this year, Deacon said,

is that the event will be free to attend with no registration fee for the walk. The first 300 dogs will receive pup-friendly swag bags.

Bark for Life at Riverstone raised $4,500 for the American Cancer Society in 2017. This year, the goal is to raise $5,000. Helping to reach that number are several animal-loving sponsors.

“The support for this event is really overwhelming.” Deacon said. “We are very fortunate to have our Top Dog sponsor, Lake Olympia Animal Hospital, back for a second year. They are an amazing group of veterinarians. Sienna Plantation Animal Hospital and Best Entertainers have signed on as a Best in Show sponsor. Sugar Land Dental Group & Orthodontics is a Bow Wow sponsor.”

Sponsorships are still available.

“We invite everyone to join us for a day of tail-wagging fun,” Deacon said. “No matter what your reasons for participating in the walk are, you are helping to create a world where cancer doesn’t claim any more lives–human or canine.”

For more information about Bark for Life or to register, visit relayforlife.org/ barkriverstonetx. Find out more about Riverstone by visiting riverstone.com.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

21

Happenings

Voted Best Boarding & Best Daycare

EVENT

Kids Companion Camp AT HHS

E

arly bird registration is open for Companion Camp at Houston Humane Society.

This popular summer program is a favorite of animal loving kids. Campers learn valuable life lessons concerning the welfare

of all animals. During a typical day, campers receive humane education, workshops from animal experts, games, crafts, and hands on animal activities. Find all dates online: www.houstonhumane.org/events/ companion-camp.

OVER 15 YEARS OF AWARD -WINNING

CHARITY EVENT

Save The Date: PetSet Soiree

F

ierce and fabulous supporters of our city’s companion animals are invited to attend Houston PetSet’s annual event scheduled for September 7 at the Post Oak Hotel. Co-chaired by Tena Lundquist Faust and

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by Houston PetTalk, Katy Times & Houston A-List

Tama Lundquist, the event helps raise critical funds for Houston-area nonprofits working to alleviate suffering and solve the problem of animal homelessness. Stay tuned for details and ticket purchase at houstonpetset. org.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

23

Happenings

2017 Winner "Sophie"

PETTALK’S ANNUAL SAND `N SEA BEACH BUM PHOTO CONTEST

S

ummer is here and we're ready to hit the beach! Submit a photo of your pet on a Galveston beach, and you could win a BIG BAG full of fun beach toys and a PetSmart giftcard for your pet! ❖

❖

❖

Photo entries accepted from June 1st to June 24th Public voting begins June 25th & ends June 30th Sand 'N Sea will determine the winner

❖

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Winning photos will be published in the July issue of Houston PetTalk Magazine Photo submissions must be high resolution (1 MB or larger) and must be taken at a Galveston beach.

G A LV E S T O N I S L A N D VA C AT I O N R E N TA L S 409.797.5500 I sandnsea.com

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SINCE 1974

Houston PetTalk Magazine

25

FOR THE LOVE of Mom

M

ay not only brings us flowers after April showers, but it’s also the month to celebrate MOM in every way. From two-leggers to 4-leggers, plus winged and scaled alike, a good MOM is essential to life! In celebration of motherhood, we asked readers to Show The Love on Instagram by completing the sentence "I love my Mommy because..." - we had some incredibly awesome entries and enjoyed all the great photos! See more of these fun photo entries on Instagram: @pettalkmagazine or @pettalk_gofetch.

r a e Y theDog of

OUR CELEBRATION WITH 8 LOCAL

CHINESE BREEDS

I

t's my guess that if you are reading this, you are most likely a dog lover and are respectful of animals in general. By now, you are also probably aware that 2018 is the Year of the Dog, replete with lots of celebrations that show off our cute pups in their finest Asian attire and accessories. Let's face it, having a Year of the Dog is a great

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By Michelle Mantor Photos by Evin Thayer

reason to celebrate one of the best animals God gave us, our loyal, faithful, funny, charming, friends...our canines. What better way to highlight this awesome year than to find 8 local Houston pups representing the most common Chinese breeds of dog. Interestingly, several of the breeds are the most ancient, ranging from 2000 to 3000 years old. Learn

about each breed and each of these special Houston doggies in our feature. A big thank you to their humans for taking time to bring them to our photoshoot. They were all great models, beautifully groomed for us, and we enjoyed meeting them...we hope you do too!

e s e n i h C

d e t s e r C g o D A

charming, portable and lively breed, the Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: Powderpuff and Hairless. Their coat and skin need attention so grooming is essential. This little pup weighs in at 10-13 lbs. but carries a personality that's much bigger than its size. Although it is unlikely that the origins of the modern Chinese Crested Dog are in China (most likely Africa), their name is thought to come from the dogs being used as ratters on Chinese ships.

TONY

T

ony is no doubt unique with all the flash and flair one could hope for in a spunky canine companion.

Tony is the "hairy hairless" variety of his breed. Hmm...that sounds like an oxymoron but we get it...he has some hair in some places and no hair in others. Very cool! He loves agility class, nose work, playing with his feathered cat-teaser toy and being groomed. Lucky for Tony his mom Rebekah is a groomer at Clear Lake Kennels!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

29

e s e n a p a J n i h C Y es, we know this pup's breed refers to Japan rather than China, but the Japanese Chin originated in China, later arriving in Japan. These small dogs appeared in the West after being given as gifts by the Emperor of Japan to an American naval officer, Matthew Calbraith Perry, when Perry visited the Orient in 1853 to open trade with the East. Considered one of the most cat-like of the dog breeds in attitude, the Japanese Chin is alert, intelligent, and independent, and uses its paws to wash and wipe its face.

CALVIN

C

alvin is the proud owner of two Georgia Tech grads who found him at a Georgia rescue society and named him for his obvious resemblance to the school’s wide receiver and later NFL player, Calvin Johnson.

Influenced by his parents who work at NASA, Calvin is a true urbanite and space nerd. His favorite pastimes are morning snuggles, spinning in circles, and eating his raw food. In true Chin fashion, he is witty, cat-like, and has all the dogs in the park wanting him to play. Nicknames include Bunny, Calvin Man, Mr. C and Calvie.

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h i h S zu T

W

hile the Shih Tzu is an excellent watchdog because of its alert and active nature, it was not specifically bred for this purpose. Unlike the Lhasa Apso, which was bred to be a sentinel dog that enjoys high perches and is wary of strangers, the Shih Tzu prefers to be close to its companions and will often offer strangers its affection. The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble the lion as depicted in traditional oriental art.

SEASEA & ELLIE

A

re those not the cutest faces?! SeaSea and Ellie are besties and undoubtedly spoiled by mom, given their beautiful coats (kept so gorgeous by John Andrews Pet Salon). Both of these furry beauties enjoy playing ball, going for walks and of course, posing for the camera!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

31

g u P

P

ugs were brought from China to Europe in the sixteenth century and were popularized in Western Europe by the House of Orange of the Netherlands, and the House of Stuart.

While the Pugs depicted in 18th century prints tend to be long and lean, modern breed preferences are for a square cobby body, a compact form, and well-developed muscle. Pugs are often described by the Latin phrase multum in parvo, or "much in little" or "a lot of dog in a small space", alluding to the Pug's charming personality, despite its small size.

VENI

D

on't let that squishy body fool you says Veni's mom, "He can run faster and more nimble than any dog we’ve ever seen!" Along with his brother Solomon, they are both known to also squish through their fence at home when interested in what's on the other side. Veni's favorites? Crinkly sounds, mom, treats, mom, bully sticks, mom, peanut butter kongs, mom, cheerios, mom, walks with their human brother, mom, chasing their human dad around the yard, and mom…

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e s e g n i k Pe

T

he Pekingese was favored by royalty of the Chinese Imperial court as both a lap dog and companion dog, and its name refers to the city of Peking (Beijing) where the Forbidden City is located. The breed is over 2000 years old! They are wonderful companions but must be kept indoors due to their coat and flattened faces which can lead to breathing problems.

MEI MEI

T

his little furball is truly and Asian pup! She was born in Malaysia and traveled to Houston with her family when they relocated to the Bayou City. Her name means "beautiful" and that she is! She has also lived in Australia so she is quite the traveling canine. She is loved by all in the neighborhood according to her mom and she also loves other dogs and cats. Now that is one cool doggy!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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a s a Lh so Ap OLIVER

T

his little honey-bunch was rescued from a shelter in Nacogdoches and loves posing for the camera and making lots of furr friends! At the seasoned age of 10, Oliver considers himself the home watchdog, which he shares with two other pups. In case you can't get enough of Oliver's cute face, follow him and his buddies @fluff_bros.

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H

ailing from Tibet where Chinese Year of the Dog is also celebrated, the Lhasa Apso was bred as an interior sentinel in the Buddhist monasteries to alert the monks to any intruders who entered. They were domesticated and actively bred perhaps as long ago as 800 BC, which makes the Lhasa Apso one of the oldest recognized breeds in the world.

w o h C w o h C

T

he Chow Chow originated from northern China and it is believed to be one of the native dogs used as the model for the Foo Dog, the traditional stone guardians found in front of Buddhist temples and palaces. It has been suggested the breed is 2000 or 3000 years old, making it one of the most ancient breeds. Chows tend to display discernment of strangers and can become protective of their owners and property. They develop strong and loyal bonds with their families.

ELVIS

E

lvis was rescued from the Harris County Animal Shelter when he was around one year old.

Appearing timid at the shelter, once out, his fun-loving and goofy personality became evident. He loves other dogs and has a rescued chow sister named Summer. Just like his namesake, Elvis loves to be the center of attention. To keep his coat beautiful, he gets monthly spa days. Of course he spends the majority of the time inside in the air conditioning.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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r a h S Pei

T

he Shar-Pei is a breed of dog known for its features of deep wrinkles and a blue-black tongue. The breed originates from Canton, China and the small, triangle ears, and a high-set tail give the Shar--Pei a unique look. The original Shar-Pei from China looked very different from the breed now popular in the West.

People in southern China, Hong Kong, and Macau differentiate the Western type and the original type by calling them respectively 'meat-mouth' and 'bone-mouth' Shar-Pei.

PHEONIX

C

an you believe this Hunk '0 Burnin' Love is a puppy! He is going to be a big boy! Phoenix, according to mom, loves to stand with his front feet in an empty food bowl and slide around the floor. He also loves Day Camp and Grooming at Waggin Tails Pet Ranch in Fulshear as well as his morning yogurt (if it isn't on his food, he will not eat)...well, who couldn't spoil that face?

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g n i k o Lo d to a e Ah 019 2 Yearof the

W

hile we celebrate the 2018 Year of the Dog, you might be wondering what animal is represented in 2019? The Year of the Earth Pig follows Year of the Dog and represents the twelfth of the Earthly Branches. As such, the Pig's 12th position is the last animal sign on the Chinese Zodiac in the Chinese Horoscope. The 12 animals that appear on the Chinese Zodiac calendar include a rat, buffalo (ox), tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. You are a “Pig Chinese Zodiac native” if you are born in one of these years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031.

According to the myths, the Pig was the last to arrive when the Jade Emperor called for the great meeting. Other sources said that Buddha called for a great meeting when he was about to leave the Earth and the Pig came in last. Those born in a Pig year are said to have character traits of diligence, compassion, and generosity.

The Chinese calendar is a fascinatingly accurate system, which not only can reproduce the time intervals, but, in the same time, is a tool for predicting the future. The notorious traditional Chinese system of reading the future “The Four Pillars of Destiny” make it possible to discover the destiny of a person by using the date of birth, converted in the format of the Chinese calendar.

Here's wishing those born in the Year of the Pig a fabulous 2019!

Pig

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Lifestyle celebrate Year of the Dog

Go Zen! Pho Real?

Yes, Pho sure! You can get this adorable “I’m pho real” shirt for your furry family member on Etsy.com/shop/poshpalsboutique, plus a matching baby onesie too!

Relax It's hard to get that feeling of peaceful zen at home without a relaxing scent to fill the air. Rid your home of pet odors with these fragrant candles available at ABC Pet Resort, 17024 Bamwood Rd.

Asian Inspired Let your pooch step out in style to celebrate 2018 Year of the Dog with this asian-themed jacket, available at stores. ebay.com/VOGUEFASHIONSTORE.

Make Me Beautiful Your pup will love being spoiled and smelling extra special with this grooming spray by Only Natural Pet. The Green Tea & Mandarin Orange Spray is the perfect pick-me-up between shampoos. Available at PetSmart.

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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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AT VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS, WE CARE

Health PET Emergency Are you ready?

I

By: Dr. Laura Noaker www.vergi247.com

f you grew up in southeast Texas like I did, chances are you had a hurricane or other catastrophic disaster plan for your family’s peace of mind. But do you have a plan for a medical emergency with your pet? If not, you aren’t alone. Most people are unprepared for any emergent medical event, especially with the family pet.

after your vet has closed?

The answer is, still call your family vet.

Most Veterinary practices have a recording that directs you to area emergency clinics. Also, it’s a good idea for you to become familiar with some emergency pet hospitals in your vicinity. You might even stop by and pick up information.

Another good idea is to ask your vet who

In some ways, emergencies are like Murphy’s Law, they always seem to occur on nights or weekends. If an emergency occurs during business hours, most people understand that they should call their veterinarian. The clinic will either ask them to come in or send them straight to an ER. But what if something happens

they would recommend before an emergency happens. Preplanning can ensure a much better result.

Next, call the ER and let them know you are coming. They’ll want to know about your pet’s emergency circumstance before you get there. This is not a requirement, most ERs are prepared with

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an intake procedure, but calling ahead helps the staff plan accordingly.

Another important point is to bring copies of your pet’s current medical file and a medication list, including dosage and frequencies. The more information you supply the ER, the more thorough the staff can treat your pet.

If you’re out of town and your pet is at a sitter or boarding facility, make sure they have access to medical information and a way to contact you. Share any advanced medical directives with them as well as a method of payment since most ERs typically require a deposit.

On the way to the ER, it‘s essential you remain calm. If your pet is injured, it may bite as a means to protect itself, so be sure to protect yourself. Approach your pet slowly and gently. Try to secure them in a kennel or wrap them in a towel, always being mindful of the mouth.

Never attempt home or internet remedies. This may severely jeopardize your pet’s life. Plus, be honest with the ER doctor, especially if you have given anything to your pet. The staff needs this information so they don’t prescribe something that might be contraindicated.

Finally, an injured, vocalizing pet can be very distracting, especially if you are driving. It might be a good idea to ask a family member, neighbor or friend to drive you. That allows you to stay focused on your pet or stay on the phone with the hospital.

Being prepared in advance is wise. It can make a stressful situation a little more manageable plus have a better outcome for you and your pet.

Learn more about VERGI 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care Hospital at www.vergi247.com and download a FREE emergency pre-planning guide.

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BEING Prepared

National Disaster Day May 12

By: Kate Lawrence and www.gcvs.com

CREATE A DISASTER KIT FOR YOUR PET These kits should include your pet’s medical paperwork (in a water-tight bag or container), food, water (if clean water is a concern) and bowls, any medications your pet needs, sturdy leash and collar and/or carriers, and something familiar for your pet (a favorite toy, blanket, etc).

STAY INFORMED

N

Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists assist pets during 2017 Hurricane Harvey.

ational Disaster Preparedness day falls on May 12th this year, and after the events of the last twelve months, everyone in our area knows that having a plan in place in the event of a disaster can be the difference between life and death–for both you and your pets.

Most people have an idea of what they should do for themselves in these types of emergencies, but what preparation can you have for your pet in case disaster strikes?

WHAT’S GOOD FOR YOU IS GOOD FOR YOUR PET If it is at all possible, take your pet with you if you are forced to evacuate. Pets that are left behind may be lost, injured or even die during a disaster situation.

NEVER leave a pet tied up. While many human shelters now allow pets to accompany their owners, there are some that cannot allow it for public health reasons.

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In that situation, a pet friendly hotel, a boarding facility, animal hospital, or friend or relative in a safe location should be considered.

HAVE ID PAPERWORK, A COLLAR AND TAGS, AND UP-TO-DATE MEDICAL RECORDS Many boarding facilities and animal hospitals require updated medical records for pets to stay, and if your pet needs medical care, having their records is essential.

Additionally, having a collar and tags, as well as identifying paperwork (including a picture of you with your pet) may be one of the only ways to get your pet back if they are lost during a disaster. Finally, we cannot stress enough the importance of microchipping your pet, and then keeping your contact information up-to-date.

When trying to prepare for the unexpected, it’s important to know what types of emergencies are most likely to affect your region, as well as emergency plans that have been established by the state and local government. Obviously, in our area, hurricanes and flooding are a huge threat, but less-common disasters like tornadoes, wildfires, and winter storms can be just as devastating, but with slightly different responses. Preparing your family (both two and four-legged) in advance will make dealing with the reality of a disaster situation easier, so take the time now to get yourself and your pet ready in the event of a disaster in your area! *In the event of an emergency situation with your pet, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists provides emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at 1030 Wirt Rd. Houston, 77055.

Please note the new address of GCVS. View the back cover to learn more about their relocation and services.

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HOUSTON BOASTS ONE OF THE BEST PET RESORTS IN TEXAS

I

ABC Pet Resort & Spa

n 1991, Suzanne and Al Locker founded ABC Pet Resort & Spa. Suzanne oversees the resort with a strong management team, while Al designs and builds residential and commercial projects.

His company, Turnkey, Inc. a Houston construction company, began working in the pet care market in 1995 after the Lockers relocated the pet resort from a lease space to a new property. After their newly-constructed resort was completed, Al was able to successfully add pet care facilities to his repertoire of building projects. If you currently take your pet for lodging, daycare or veterinary services in the Houston area, there’s a good chance it was designed or built by Al Locker. Since 1995, he’s designed over 70 pet care centers and veterinary hospitals and built 15 locally!

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The Lockers continue to be involved as leaders in the pet care community. Many people entering this industry for the first time choose them for consulting help due to the vast operational knowledge they both have gained from co-owning a pet resort. The Lockers are frequent speakers at pet industry events, covering numerous business and operational topics, and were the Keynote Speakers for the Ausboard Conference, Australia’s pet care association.

ABC takes pride in having one of the best pet resorts in Texas. They back this claim with their commitment to follow the highest industry standards. Currently they are enrolled in the newest certification testing, by the Professional Animal Care Association and eagerly await their new PACCC designation of excellence. The

staff is CPR certified and is required to pass the Dog Gurus’ Knowing Dogs study programs to build their understanding of dogs. “We are blessed to have several long-term team members at ABC,” remarks Rhonda Wilcox, office manager and ABC alumni of 14 years. “Our bathing supervisor, Cathy Franks, has been here 17 years; Skye Benson, customer service, 14 years; and Maggie Cannas, daycare manager, 8 years. These long tenures are due to our philosophy of being Servant-Leaders. It’s our duty as leaders to serve those around us…not only our customers, but our fellow team members also.”

Lodging: In 2018, their goals remain the same… to provide each guest with a comfortable environment and professional loving care.

What does that mean?

All dogs are assessed daily by our lodging technicians to assure each guest’s exercise, eating, eliminations and resting needs are met.

Three outside exercise times are scheduled daily and additional potty walks can be arranged for dogs with special needs.

Another critical component to proper care is the close relationship that they develop with the pet guests. Spending quality time forming personal bonds creates happy campers, who are eager to return to ABC!

1.

2.

3.

Daycare & Training: Daycare play is supervised by trained staff guiding the safe interaction and play between the dogs. Activities like group sits and other physical and mental challenges are introduced during each session.

Their newest “spin off” to traditional group play is their Enrichment Program, supervised by trainer Tracy Howard. This exciting and beneficial option consists of individualized engagement with an ABC team member, including shorter play sessions with fewer dogs in the group. “Each day, over a dozen 20 to 30-minute sessions alternate between active physical play and quieter mental stimulation,” explains general manager, Jennifer Wolf. “If your dog is shy or becomes agitated in large groups of dogs, enrichment may be a more comfortable alternative to regular daycare.”

Grooming: ABC is proud to be designated a S.A.F.E. Grooming Salon. This

certification from the American Kennel Club’s Canine University, requires strict procedures focused on safety and cleanliness. Although this designation is important, the team is even more proud of their talented stylist, Patty Cellars, who has been with ABC since 1991. “Patty does a fantastic job grooming our dog and cat guests, treating them with respect and tender care. Her calm demeanor makes the groom process much less stressful, which is her secret to success,” beams Suzanne.

Recently, Al’s company completed renovations of the ABC facility. “A beautiful, safe facility is important for the pets and a dream to work in,” remarked Suzanne,

“but it’s our team’s strict adherence to best practices and procedures that keeps ABC highly rated among our pet parents.

We hope to continue this rewarding adventure for years to come!."

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Lockets of Love

Custom locket tags that fit you and your dog’s personality. facebook.com/badgepops 52

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Tail End DRUG DETECTION Dog TWEAKER Is Breaking the Barriers

S

ome people are surprised when they meet Tweaker, a K9 detection dog who works with Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Siracusa in Grimes County, Texas, to track down drug traffickers.

Tweaker is an energetic, purposeful dog who takes her work seriously. She’s also a dog that was labeled a “pit bull” in a shelter—a type of dog not traditionally associated with K9 duties. But Animal Farm Foundation (AFF) is committed to changing that misconception, saving dogs’ lives, and training them to perform crucial jobs such as narcotics detection.

When people think of a police dog, they usually picture a Belgian Malinois or a German Shepherd, not a shelter animal.

The common perception is that in order to perform a useful function, a dog needs be a certain breed that is specifically bred for the task. But AFF’s detection dog program fundamentally changes the way people think about a canine’s capabilities and purpose.

At the core of this shift in paradigm is Animal Farm Foundation’s belief in the essential truth that a dog’s personality is

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a combination of a variety of factors—and that all dogs deserve to be considered as individuals.

Many dogs that are bred for police dog work actually don’t make the final cut and go on to become pets instead. This illustrates that genetics and breed alone do not determine a dog’s potential—it depends on each individual dog’s personality whether they have what it takes to perform the demanding tasks of detecting drugs, guns, and tracking people.

“For our program, we look for dogs that have focus, drive, and can take direction,” said Regina Lizik, AFF’s Communications and Fundraising Manager. “These need to be dogs that have the right personality. We are very careful about the dogs we select because we want to set the dogs and the police departments up for success.”

K9 detection dogs are an asset to any police force, yet most departments cannot afford them, since they cost a minimum of $20,000. AFF works with shelters to identify “pit bull” dogs that have potential; then covers the cost of training, as well as care and housing for the dogs,

By: Judy Klym

during a rigorous 4 to 8-week training process. Police and sheriff departments receive the trained narcotics detection dogs at no cost, saving taxpayer dollars and freeing up funds for other needs.

“Our detection dogs are just as successful as purpose-bred police dogs,” explained Lizik. “K9 Tweaker, originally from Texas Star Rescue, is a great example.

She’s had quite a few busts where she’s found drugs, drug paraphernalia, money, and guns. Her work with Officer Siracusa and the Grimes County Sheriff's Office has done a great deal to keep the people of Anderson, Texas safe.”

Tweaker may not look like a typical police dog, but her high energy, powerful sense of smell, and determination has made her a valuable K9 partner to Sheriff’s Deputy Siracusa. “She’s energetic, enthusiastic, and always ready to work,” he said.

“Tweaker is a brave, smart K9 partner who clearly demonstrates that a shelter dog can perform this important work and make a valuable contribution to society,” Officer Siracusa concluded.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIPS

Saving A Life, Creating A Bond - Harleigh's Story

By: Tammy Canton

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and bring her inside. A calf needs to nurse from their mom to receive colostrum within the first few hours of them being born. The calf is born without an immune system, so the antibodies passed down from mom’s milk, keeps them healthy. This calf did not nurse and was in huge trouble!

We brought her inside our home and immediately started caring for her. Her mouth was ice cold, she was wet, shivering from the rain and was lethargic. It was already a very stressful time considering the devastation all around, and we also had 2 families that were evacuated from their homes staying with us. Along with the 2 families came 8 more dogs that added to our pack of 7. Can you imagine having 2 families living with you, everything around you is underwater, 15 dogs and now a new born calf in your laundry room? Feeling overwhelmed was an understatement. However, I knew in my heart that this baby was placed in our lives for a reason. My job was to keep her alive and that’s just what I did.

After laying her in the laundry room, we started warming her up very slowly.

You cannot feed a newborn animal if their body temperature is too low. After using heated towels and a heating pad on low, her temperature finally started to warm up. My husband was able to drive to the next town over that had one store open.

He got her milk replacement and a bottle.

Later that evening we were able to give her a bottle and she took it pretty well. I didn’t think she would make it through the night so my hopes were not up at that point.

I spoke with our vet and informed her of what was going on. She recommend we let our dog Sealy in to visit the baby.

So we did just that. As soon as Sealy started to lick the baby’s face, her eyes opened and her head popped up. I saw a glimpse of hope in her eyes. We started letting each dog in to visit the calf. Sealy would stand over the calf and would lay down beside her that first evening.

I didn’t realize it then that a special bond was forming right in front of me.

Photos provided by Tammy Canton

Photo by Shannon Rhodes Photography

I

will start our story by giving you an idea of what we were facing. On August 28, 2017, Hurricane Harvey had already made landfall and we were starting to feel the affects from the massive storm. Our area didn’t receive a lot of damage from high winds that most hurricanes can bring. However, we did encounter some pretty major and devastating flooding. Houses that normally don’t flood, were under mandatory evacuation. Families and their animals were being rescued by boats leaving all of their belongings behind.

Luckily, we built our home high enough to withstand major flooding. Our pastures will hold water, but our home stayed dry.

A few pastures down from us, they were not as lucky. Houses started to fill with water and there was nothing anyone could do except evacuate. Cars floating in ditches and a family actually lost their life at the end of our street. We were facing indescribable devastation.

Monday, August 28th, we noticed one of our cows had a new born calf. We typically would not interfere with a mom and her baby, but my husband noticed that the baby wasn’t not nursing from the mom and was in the cold flooded pasture.

The only thing he could do to give her a chance, was to take her from her mom

Photo by Shannon Rhodes Photography

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

Sealy is also a rescue that we bottle fed.

She was found in a ditch in Sealy, Texas with her 5 sisters. They were only a few days old when Sealy came into our lives.

The next morning, I went to check on the calf, and she was wide eyed and mooing.

She made it through the night!

My heart was extremely happy! I decided she needed a name if she was going to stick around, so Harveigh it was!

The days following, we had a few scary moments of infections, fevers and trips to the vet. She was diagnosed with Failure of Passive Transfer and a naval infection.

Both of these infections can lead to death very quickly in a newborn calf.

The vet recommended that I keep her inside if possible to allow her immune system to mature. She was not allowed in the barn due to contaminated water.

Being around the other cows could also make her sick, so she stayed in our laundry room at night and in her pen by the house during the day.

I continued to let Sealy in with Harveigh to stand in as a companion. The bond grew stronger and stronger every day.

They spent many days together playing in the yard, taking naps and just hanging out. Harveigh did everything with our dogs.

Fast forward 6 months later, Harveigh is doing great and is healthy and strong!

Her relationship with Sealy is just as sweet and fun to be around. Harveigh is terrified of other cows and will not have anything to do with them. If she had a choice, she would live inside with our family and just be part of the pack.

Haveigh is still able to come inside to say hello to her dog friends and have her hair done.

She enjoys being outside in her pen close to the house while enjoying her hay and feed. She is now off the bottle which has been a huge adjustment for her and she is still not happy about that! Our plan for Harveigh is to live in our pasture as a pet and enjoy her life as a cow.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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THE DOG LODGE Sanctuary Creating A Home For Those In Need The Dog Lodge Sanctuary Founders, Elaine Rosen and Rick Laminack

IT’S ABOUT KNOWING THAT YOU ARE BLESSED TO BE IN A POSITION TO MAKE A GREATER COMMITMENT TO THAT PASSION AND KNOWING THAT YOU ARE PREPARED TO DO WHATEVER YOU CAN. homeless dogs are brought into a shelter or rescue and then rehomed. But, as everyone knows, it’s not that simple. The number of dogs that need rehoming is staggering so even if the system were able to run without a hitch, it would certainly be strained. What happens, for example, when a dog enters the system and it is difficult or even impossible to rehome or, at least rehome in a timely manner? The system backs up, fills up and slows down. Dogs that might otherwise come into the system and be adopted relatively easily can't even get to that point because there’s no room.

There are just too many dogs coming in all the time and the alternatives for those dogs can be devastating.

So what can be done? Well, to start,

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www.doglodge.org

Photo By: Houston Event Photography

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t’s about a passion, a passion that focuses on homeless dogs and the people working to do something that makes a difference; it’s about knowing that you are blessed to be in a position to make a greater commitment to that passion and knowing that you are prepared to do whatever you can.

That’s how it started for us. We wanted to be more involved in the animal welfare community than we already were and so we set off on a mission to figure out where we best fit into that community. Several years of research gave us the answer. We talked to people around the country all of whom had tremendous experience in various areas of animal welfare – from legal to medical, from directors of well established, well run shelters and rescues to tireless, compassionate individuals who take to the streets to feed roaming strays that live in unimaginable circumstances. Our investigation ultimately helped us to identify our mission.

On the surface, the “system” for handling homeless dogs that is in place not only in Houston but all over the country seems like it could work; meaning ideally, that

By: Elaine Rosen and Rick Laminack

what if we remove the plug? What if, for example, the special needs dogs - the dogs that aren’t young, cute, cuddly or healthy – can move out of this system and into a permanent home; a place that offers them a safe, loving, healthy and stable environment so that they may know peace and dignity for the rest of their lives. Wouldn’t this go a long way to help free up shelters and rescues to do what they do best – to find homes for dogs that are adoptable?

We decided to build a sanctuary – a dog sanctuary that would take in some of the very dogs that are so problematic for rescues and shelters. We organized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 2014. It took awhile but we finally found the perfect place for Dog Lodge - 60

rolling, treed acres just outside of Houston.

The Sanctuary facility is being built in phases with Phase 1 almost complete. Our objective has been to provide as close to a real life environment as possible for our residents without actually having a hundred dogs in our house. The buildings are climate controlled and the interiors have been designed to be totally dog friendly; calming and relaxing. The dogs can move around freely and socialize and there is private space for them when they want quiet time. There is a large living room with furniture that the dogs are welcome to lie on. The epoxy-covered floors have been designed to prevent staining, scratching, slipping and sliding. An acre has been fenced so the dogs have plenty of room to play outside and walking trails throughout the sixty acres will give volunteers an opportunity to exercise the dogs in peaceful, natural surroundings. Since many of our residents will have physical disabilities, we decided to add a medical clinic for the use of our visiting vets. The health of all the dogs will be monitored carefully and they will be provided with the best medical care. Additionally, we have a grooming facility on site so the dogs can look their best all the time. Our facility manager will be living on site and the dogs will have round the clock supervision.

A sanctuary for unadoptable dogs is a very necessary part of the solution, but only part. Like many, we understand that a multi-faceted approach is necessary with education leading the way. Therefore, we are working with schools in order promote humane education because we have to start the process of change with the children. We are also partnering with other established groups to continue promoting affordable spay/neuter programs in an effort to prevent unwanted breeding. We will support legislators in an effort to maintain the animal laws that are already in place regarding animal abuse and to promote more serious consequences for people who break those laws. These are a few of our community outreach programs.

There are so many wonderful people who are dedicated to helping homeless

dogs find a better life but they face overwhelming odds. We view our efforts at Dog Lodge as a way to complement their work and make their jobs a little bit easier.

There is, without doubt, the room and the need for sanctuaries within the system throughout this country. We will gladly open our doors to anyone who might like to consider building a sanctuary and would like to see what we have done.

This is our passion. We have made a commitment.

Join us on Facebook or visit us on the web.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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At-Risk Teen Learns The Value of Trust

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n a misty Friday morning, a young man named Chris came to Brook Hill Farm, a PATH International Premier Therapeutic Riding facility that focuses on at-risk teens, providing them with equine facilitated

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learning. Chris entered the riding arena where a beautiful young rescue horse named Teddy was standing. Teddy had a history of abuse, as did Chris. I quietly said to Chris, your task it to catch Teddy and bring him to me. Chris, an angry,

By: Jo Anne Miller Executive Director, brookhillfarm.org

abused teen, laughed and said, “Easy!”

He immediately went straight for him, in his cocky way, and Teddy quickly ran away. Chris then decided to chase him, making eye contact, yelling, all the while getting more and more frustrated. After about an hour, he sat down in the middle of the arena, and tears started streaming down his face. Within minutes, Teddy came up to him and nudged him. Chris was amazed, and it was time to discuss the session.

So what happened? Horses are prey animals, as they eat mainly grasses and plants. Humans however, are predators, hunting for their dinner. The fact that horses are prey animals explains some of Teddy’s behavior. When Teddy felt threatened and frightened, his fight or flight response kicked in, and like most horses, his response was flight. He quickly distanced himself from danger (Chris), keeping himself safe. Teddy’s behavior toward Chris was expected. Chris approached Teddy as a predator; both eyes focused on his prey, and wanted to try to dominate his way into his personal space. When Chris became smaller, and was no longer a threat, Teddy came up to him. Horses mirror the image behind the façade – an angry teen produced a frightened horse – a subdued, smaller teen produced a horse that was willing to be in his space.

As the session continued, Chris talked about how people approached him, and how uncomfortable he was when they got into his personal space. We talked about how both he and Teddy were both frightened of the same thing. We discussed that only when we are more vulnerable, are we able to let our defenses down and let others help us learn coping skills to help us with our problems. Today the two are great friends, both knowing that the key to their relationship is not dominance, but trust.

Photo provided by Ed Wennerstrom

EQUINE Assisted Therapy

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

www.HCVMF.org

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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CONSERVATION Corner ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY

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D

id you know Asian elephants, orangutans, and gorillas are all endangered?

What makes a species endangered? According to the International Union for Conservation in Nature (IUCN): An endangered species is a species which has been categorized by the IUCN Red List as likely to become extinct. “Endangered” is the second most severe conservation status for wild

Photos, courtesy Houston Zoo

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 Endangered Species Day. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

By: Lauren St. Pierre, The Houston Zoo

populations in the IUCN’s schema after “Critically Endangered".

Endangered Species Day, recognized annually in May, is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species as well as everyday actions they can take to help protect them.

The Houston Zoo, and other Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited locations around the world, have united to bring awareness to the global conservation effort to save endangered species and their habitats in the wild.

If all that sounds like a big job, it is! The Zoo works with 30 conservation partners in 16 different countries to help these animals and others including the Baird’s

tapir, shark and ray species, cheetahs, and more! Global partners use our conservation resources for funding, business development, and even event planning to connect their local cultures to the animals they are trying to save.

In addition to our global conservation efforts, the Houston Zoo works diligently to help local species and increase their chances of long-term survival.

Local conservation projects happen behind-thescenes at the Houston Zoo where dedicated zookeepers work with these animals daily to increase their numbers in the wild. One such animal is the Attwater’s prairie chicken. This dynamic bird used to call the plains of Texas home, but now

only about 100 exist in the wild. The Bird department at the zoo raises and releases the chickens back into the wild every year; in fact, they released 61 Attwater’s prairie chickens last year. The juvenile birds are released at the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge to grow to maturity and repopulate the area.

Similarly, the Houston toad is no longer in Houston, but its numbers are growing thanks to the work of the Herpetology department and volunteers at the zoo.

The Herpetology department manages the captive breeding of these toads and then releases the eggs in the Bastrop area. In 2017, they released 900,000 eggs in cases that protect the fragile

eggs until they become tadpoles.

The zoo also partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to help save sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico.

All five species of sea turtle – Kemp’s ridley, green, loggerhead, leatherback, and hawksbill – found in the Gulf are endangered. Zoo veterinarians have provided medical care for more than 400 sea turtles since 2010, with 80 turtles helped in 2017 alone.

Finally, there is a Texas cat making the news a few hours south of us – the ocelot. Ocelots are endangered within the United States with less than 100 individuals in south Texas.

The city of Brownsville is

leading the charge to save the federally endangered ocelot, and thanks to your visits to the zoo, the Houston Zoo has been able to help by providing 10 refurbished tracking collars that will help local programs monitor their

ocelot population.

What can you do to help?

Come to the zoo! Every time you visit, a portion of your ticket goes towards our conservation programs, both here in Texas and around the world.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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