June 2018

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The Cat Issue:

June 2018

Fascinating Felines

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June 2018

Editorial

A

braham Lincoln was quoted as saying “No matter how much cats fight, there always seem to be plenty of kittens.” Ain’t that the truth! And it’s an unfortunate truth at that.

Today, as I write this, I received a public announcement from Harris Country Animal Shelter regarding the influx of kittens that are too young to adopt.

The email noted, “In just 16 days, Harris County Animal Shelter has taken in nearly 233 neonatal (less than four-weeks-old) and orphaned kittens. Although kittens are born and found year-round in the shelters throughout the greater Houston area, “kitten season,” is when there is a greater influx of kittens in the shelters, starting in early spring and lasting through late summer. During this time, most litters are born and people are more likely to find kittens and bring them to shelters.”

As a community, we must work together in solving pet over-population.

All of the shelter and rescue groups in Houston work tirelessly towards this end, but they cannot do it alone because it’s

Issue 05: Volume 18 www.houstonpettalk.com

an overwhelming problem. Spay and neuter is critical, for starts. Cats are beautiful, intelligent, entertaining creatures that have graced the earth for thousands of years and they deserve better than to be left starving, disease ridden, injured or killed. In our annual Cat Issue, we not only celebrate All Things Cat and their many fabulous attributes, but we also look at how to do our best for this species as the primary stewards of animals.

From our unusual cover cat, "Finn" and his interesting breed, to health issues, cool cat products and more, I hope you find the information useful and that you might also feel called to help reduce cat over-population or even adopt a cat from a local shelter or rescue.

Also in this issue is one of my favorite features of the year, the entries from our annual Pets in the Wildflowers contest, graciously sponsored once again this year by Bingle Vet. Our custom for many years has been to publish ALL of the entries, no matter how many we get. This is the only contest that gets this “special treatment”! It all started when I was so

impressed with the photos that I couldn’t just choose the winner, finalists and a few good entries for our traditional one page, so I decided to work out the space issues and accommodate them all....and then the contest entries grew! So now we publish a 4-page feature and once again, the entries are all creative, fun and make me smile. I’m sure they will make you smile too! Find them all on page 42-45.

Speaking of contests, June is our annual Beach Bum Photo Contest, sponsored

by Sand N Sea Properties Galveston.

There may be no better way to cool off in the hot Houston sun or anything more joyful than playing with your pup on the beach, so head to the island and take your best shot! See page 16 for details.

June is also the month we celebrate Father's Day. Check out some of the Instagram posts we received from Houston's pet Dads on page 26. A big shout out to all Fathers - enjoy your day with your family...you deserve it!

Finn The Feline Say hello to "Finn" a local kitty of the Sphynx breed. Mom Mirella Onate Aram says Finn can jump beyond expectations so it's no telling where you'll find him in the house.

Finn also loves people and is very social. At our photoshoot, he was inquisitive and confident, happy to show off his unusual breed and remind us that ALL cats are cool! Find out more in our Cat Feature.

Photo by Evin Thayer.

HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE 14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560 www.HoustonPetTalk.com Design and layout by: ANDREW BURWELL www.andrewburwell.com © 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.

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WHERE

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

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Henrietta

“S

chool’s out, school’s out, teachers let the monkeys out!” I actually overheard Dragon Lady singing this the other day. People born more than 20 years ago are just plain weird but it got me thinking about summer fun. I have a long list of things I look forward to in the summer and an equally long list of things that are my pet peeves.

First, my LOVE list: I love sleeping in. I love no alarm clock, no carpool, no alarm clock, no morning rush, no alarm clock.

And, did I say NO ALARM CLOCK? I love staying up late so I can sleep in…with NO ALARM CLOCK! I love vacation. That’s a no brainer.

I love water. I love to swim in the ocean, swim in a pool, roll in a mud puddle, run through a water hose (or drink from it), and “water” trees, fire hydrants, signs, poles…basically anything.

I love late night runs to Taco Bell. Mmmm… the Gordita is so cheesy and meaty..and it rhymes with Margarita. BTW, Chihuahua’s aren’t the only ones with a penchant for Mexican food.

After the Taco Bell run, I love TP’ing Daphne the Ditsy Dachshund's house.

It brings great levity to my day listening to her wonder how it “rained toilet paper” the next day.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

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I love laying in a hammock under the stars imagining that my main man Matthew McConaughey is next to me, rubbing my belly while I lick his face. I imagine that he loves this too. I have a vivid imagination.

I love when Dragon Lady decides to be nice for a minute (that’s probably her max) and makes me frozen pupcicles. She adds peanut butter when she is really on top of her game.

I love the 4th of July.

I know, most canines are freaked out by fireworks but I love the sky erupting in a brilliant array of sparkling fun and you never know what’s going to happen next. Plus, there is the occasional dud that makes you wonder if the show is over but miraculously, there is more. I think this is kind of like what happens when Miley Cyrus opens her mouth.

I’m sure you are expecting that my top ten list will include something with chocolate. You know me well. I LOVE making Smores by the fire. Gooey chocolate, warm marshmallows with a crunchy gingerbread exterior.

I think whoever invented this pure awesomeness should be Knighted or get the Nobel Peace Prize or Presidential Medal of Freedom or at least the Girl Scout Gold Award.

8.

of my summer “hate” list.

1.

Yes, wearing a swimsuit.

There is nothing to like about covering yourself with something the size of a handkerchief and then getting it wet so it sticks to your skin like Saran wrap.

I hate that there are no fireflies to catch.

Where have

2.

9.

10.

Given that food is involved in several of my summer LOVE list faves, you can probably guess what’s on the top

they gone?

Cousin Hilda thinks they were all abducted by the Chinese to make glow sticks.

Brilliant gal.

I hate mosquitoes. Duh. I hate girls that wear a size 4 swimsuit and when they walk their tail wags so proudly that it makes their be-hind wiggle. I wish Big Girl Pants were considered proper pool attire.

I hate slimy politicians.

I know this has nothing to do with summer…they are slimy all year round but I just had to get that in.

I hate brain-freeze.

Those Slush Puppies always look so good that I suck them down until it feels like my brain is going to

3.

4.

5.

6.

explode Rainbow Berry.

I hate that everyone decides to go on vacation the same time I do. I swear someone leaks my calendar to the media.

I hate that half my hair falls out. Dragon Lady hates it even more.

I hate beaches that don’t allow dogs to run off leash. Do you know

7.

8.

9.

how hard it is to fetch a tennis ball from the ocean with a human on the other end of a rope?

I hate the dog park because everyone smells like sweat, mud, flea preventative and whatever their human last ate in the car. And if that’s not enough, goobers are dangling from any dog’s mouth that weighs over 30lbs. Frankly, I’d rather go shopping.

And, one last thing. If you are a human reading this, remember that when you decide to exercise in 95 degree weather, we really don’t want to join you. #TooHotForOurPaws. If you are a dog reading this, I am impressed!

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Illustration by Jim Tweedy, colorized by Desiree Lonsway

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Happenings

2017 Winner "Sophie" - Enter to win!

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! ❖

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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

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 06.29.18

Let’s FETCH some summer fun!

Kids Night At CAP 17555 Katy Freeway, 77094 Every last Friday of the month, CAP will host a Kid's Night at CAP. Teen volunteers and CAP staff will entertain the first 50 kids that arrive at CAP from 6:30PM till 9:30PM. cap4pets.org

06.30.2018 Houston Dog Pop Summer Jam YuppieDog 2203 Durham Drive Houston, TX 77007 5:00-9:00pm DOGPOP is a dog-centric pop-up market/ dog festival with over 20 dog vendors, food truck, and beer/wine! Come and relax with your pup on this summer afternoon. houstondogpop.com

Save the Date: 06.04.18-06.08.18 Houston Humane Companion Camp 14700 Almeda Road Houston, TX 77053 9:30am-3:00pm This camp is a great opportunity for children ages 7-13 work with some of the animals on hand, teach them how to bond with the animals, how to care for the animals, and develop valuable life lessons. houstonhumane.org

06.09.18 CAP Summer Gala Bayou City Event Center 9401 Knight Rd., 77045 Calling All Superheroes benefiting Citizens for Animal Protection! Join

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CAP for the BEST gala of the summer!

Cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, and a SUPER Fashion Show! Tickets start at $150. Come dressed as your favorite superhero and help raise money for the shelter. cap4pets.org

06.22.18 Turn Up with Your Pup 3240 Rusk Street Houston, TX 77003 3:00pm-8:00pm Turn Up with Your Pup is exactly what it sounds like: a community event WITH your dog and FOR your dog! Donations benefiting the Houston SPCA will be accepted this day. Enjoy some BBQ, vendors, puppy pool and more. turnupwithyourpup.com

07.18.18-07.22.18 Houston World Series of Dog Shows NGR Center 8400 Kirby Drive Houston 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. houstondogshows.com

Photography By Prudence Allwein,

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Happenings NEWS

Meadowlake Pet Resort Educates Students on National Kids & Pets Day

A

Photography By Kim Kimberly

Local Boy's Service Project Helps Pets In Need

M

Jayson, an 11-year-old honor student at Montgomery Jr. High School, recently started a service project called Leave it for the Pooch. He collects new and gently used items for cats and dogs such as beds, blankets, leashes, kennels, and food and donate to help local rescue groups shelters and fosters. .Jayson takes pictures and documents where every item donated winds up so you can follow his journey. He also came up with the idea called Pennies Four Paws which helps raise money for injured strays that are in desperate need of veterinary care. He has raised $1500 and is currently helping stray dogs named Booker, Leo, Noah, Iver and Duke. These strays have had a terrible start including being dragged by a car to being shot, but with Jayson's help, they are all being helped and have a much better life. If

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you would like to make a donation please visit youcaring.com/injuredshelterorfosteranimalsinneedofvetcare-1101448.

As part of his mission to stay connected and helping, Jayson mails out toy box care packages to animals in and outside of the state of Texas as get well gifts, with the most recent being sent to Iver who lives in Virginia.

As a busy student who plays percussion in the band, is an active member of TSRA and is an award winning 4H sports shooter, we applaud Jayson for taking time to be such a proactive supporter of animals in need.

If you would like to donate, find Jayson on Facebook at: m.facebook. com/groups/1884290271838539 or you can drop off at Elite Repeat in Montgomery. m.facebook.com/ groups/1884290271838539.

Photography By Cammie Gilbert

NEWS

pril 26 was National Kids and Pets Day and to mark the day with an educational moment, Meadowlake Pet Resort & Training Center’s executive manager Laura Koch, accompanied by Cava her deaf, one-yearold Great Dane and registered therapy dog, presented to the kindergarten and first grade classrooms at Meridiana Elementary School. Laura educated the kids on the different jobs available for pets, and the students enjoyed the chance to interact with Cava. Being blind gives Cava an extra special element to teach kids about the incredible abilities of dogs, how they can help people and that pets with disabilities are productive, valuable and cool to share your life with.

Nice job Laura!

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

DOG PARK

Midtown Park Now Open Including Reliant Dog Park

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ositioned as a world-class destination, Houston’s newest park, Midtown Park, provides a host of benefits to the community, including new park programming and an outdoor environment and place for the pups to play, Reliant Dog Park. The dog park offers a water station, secure gating, and a fun ramp for playing fetch.

Midtown Park spans three acres that includes a lush lawn for games and activities, a playground and interactive water features for families, public art installations by artists Sharon Engelstein and Dixie Friend Gay and the Reliant Dog Park. Midtown Park also features the Camden Pavilion, an open-air pavilion and stage area that provides a flexible

space for concerts and performances, public events and exercise groups. When not in use for events, it serves as a casual gathering spot with movable seating and large fans overlooking the interactive water feature and great lawn.

This year Midtown Houston will develop a ½-acre retail plaza located adjacent to McGowen St., to include a full-service restaurant and a public plaza space next to the METRORail station. The restaurant tenant will build and own the structure on the available 5,000 - 7,500 square foot space and 3,000 square foot dining patio in the northwest corner of the park.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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FOR THE LOVE of Dad

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or The Love of DAD - June is the month to celebrate DAD and all the ways he makes life special! To all the Dad’s of two-leggers and four-leggers alike, we salute the men who share their time, heart and smiles everyday with the ones they love.

Straight from our Instagram, we’re sharing with you the fun photos local Dads posted, completing the sentence, “My Daddy is a hero because…” - Enjoy!

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By Michelle Mantor Photos By Evin Thayer Unless Otherwise Noted

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©iStockPhoto

T

he elegance, mystery, athleticism and aged history of cats makes them one of the most intriguing of household pets. Owned by millions of Americans, cats are favored by many because they are easier to care for than most other pets, they are definitely independent and they can be quite entertaining as well.

Recent research has suggested that cats were domesticated as long ago as 12,000 years when agricultural societies

began to flourish in the Middle East.

With grains came mice, thus the need for cats! The ancient Egyptian reverence for cats is well-known. They held cats in the highest esteem, with penalties for injuring or killing a cat quite severe. The Egyptians worshipped a Cat Goddess, Bastet, often represented as half feline, half woman.

As you can see, the history of cats is awe-inspiring and as such, they should be celebrated! Welcome to our annual

Where did felis catus come from?

The cat (felis catus) is also known as the domestic cat or housecat to distinguish it from other felines and felids. The Felids share a common ancestor only 10–15 million years ago, and include the domestic cat, lions, tigers, cougars, and others. Within this family, domestic cats are part of the genus Felis, which is a group of small cats containing seven species.

In comparison to dogs, cats have not undergone major changes during the domestication process. Their behavior is not radically different from those of wildcats, and domestic cats

are perfectly capable of surviving in the wild (ref. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society).

The domestic housecat’s origin can be traced back to the Middle East.

Between 70,000 and 100,000 years ago the Near Eastern wildcat gave rise to the genetic lineage that eventually produced all domesticated cats.

It is thought that Egyptians were the first to keep cats domestically to control vermin and other pests. Due to its great hunting ability, Ancient Egyptians worshiped cats as gods and goddesses.

Cat Issue where I hope you’ll find valuable information, enjoy the trivia and perhaps learn a few things you didn’t know.

To honor the rich history of the cat, we selected a breed for our cover that embodies the unique elements of the cat including grace, antiquity, sensitivity, mystery and charm, the Sphynx Cat. From the Sphynx to the Maine Coon to the common Tabby, felines are fascinating…enjoy reading all about cats! :

World's Most Popular Cat Breeds: ❖

American Shorthair

❖

Persian

❖

Maine Coon

❖

Siamese

❖

Abyssinian

Houston PetTalk Magazine

27

Breed Spotlight Sphynx

Bambino

Napoleon Minuet

SPHYNX: Meet our Cover Model, Finn, a 5 yr. old Sphynx who is described by his mom as a feline that can jump higher than one would imagine! He is known for being mischievous, a trait that is common for the Sphynx breed. They are known to be affectionate, funny, playful and great with kids and strangers. Not the aloof kitty you might think!

NAPOLEON MINUET: Meet Nippet, a 1 yr. old Napoleon Minuet who hails from Russia...yes, he flew First Class! This breed is a relatively new breed developed by crossing the Munchkin and the Persian breeds. They are known for their smaller size and distinctively short legs (which does not hinder their athletic ability).

BAMBINO: Meet Toothless, who is a Bambino breed of cat that was created as a cross between the Sphynx and the Munchkin breeds. Bambinos have short legs, large upright ears, and are usually hairless. Affectionate and intelligent, Bambinos are also quite unusual! Toothless shares his home with the Sphynx, Napoleon Minuet and Bengal on these pages. That's quite a litter in the Onate-Aram household!

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C

ats are cool! If you are a feline pet parent, you already know that cats are quite different from other pets. They are independent, so caring for them is unique. Plus, they come in lots of "styles"! Check out the fun local breeds we selected to highlight in

this issue. If you are looking to add a cat to your family that is more "exotic", be sure to study their breed characteristics to make sure that kitty is the one for you.

Some breeds require more care, some have additional health concerns, some are more aloof while others are more playful.

Siberian Forest Cat

ŠiStockPhoto

Bengal

They are all good, mind you, but their unique qualities will determine the one that best fits your lifestyle. There are many awesome cats available for adoption.

Check out pettalkgofetch.com and click on pet rescues & shelters to find the many choices in Houston.

American Shorthair Calico

ŠiStockPhoto

BENGAL: Meet Simba, aptly named for the ability to handle the urban jungle of Houston! Simba is a 4 yr. old Bengal cat breed who enjoys walking on a leash - yes walking on a leash which we saw firsthand in the photoshoot! Bengals are a domestic cat breed developed to look like exotic jungle cats such as leopards, ocelots, margays and clouded leopards. Because of their background, it's a good idea to study this breed carefully before deciding to add one to the family.

SIBERIAN FOREST CAT: Meet Coco, a Siberian Forest cat, in this case a kitten! This breed is usually larger than many other breeds and their coat can be quite dense and long.

Considered to be powerful cats, they are also hardy since they hail from Russia where the climate is harsh. A cat breeder from Louisiana is responsible for bringing these cats to the United States.

AMERICAN SHORTHAIR - CALICO: Meet Milly, who is an American Shorthair breed, one of the most common household cats. Calico refers to the multi-color markings and calicos come in a variety of breeds. They are hardy, smart and make great companions!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Cat Grooming Q&A with Pampered Pet Inn Do only long-haired cats need professional grooming? What frequency should a cat in need of professional grooming visit the groomer?

Yes, all cats require occasional grooming. Some cats require more frequent grooming due to matting or fleas but all cats, no matter the hair length, can benefit from grooming to remove dead hair, dander and reduce shedding. Also, frequent bathing can help reduce allergies in pet owners.

My cat is an adult and has never been to a professional groomer.

Can he still visit a grooming salon?

Many adult cats that have not experienced bathing and grooming do just fine if they visit an experienced, gentle, patient groomer. As a groomer, you recognize quickly if a cat is going to be accepting with gentle restraint or if they will need sedation. If sedation is required, we recommend the cat see their veterinarian for grooming. Cat groomers are not health professionals and too many things can go wrong so

it’s best for the safety of the cat and groomer if sedation is done at the vet’s office.

What is included in a professional grooming?

All salons are different regarding what is included in grooming. At Pampered Pet Inn, a groom would include nail trim, hair cut, bath and blow drying (if the cat tolerates drying) and ear cleaning. Not all cats need hair cutting so we also offer baths only which includes nail trim, ear cleaning, wash and drying.

Fact: Cats are very sensitive to pheromones which they use to communicate through urine spraying and marking with scent glands. Catnip (and Valerian) can cause a strong response from

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cats because it contains nepetalactone, which stimulates their social and sexual behaviors.

The “meat” of the matter Cats are obligate carnivores: their physiology has evolved to efficiently process meat, and they have difficulty digesting plant matter. About 20% of a cat’s diet should be protein. In addition to protein requirements, cats are unusually dependent on a constant

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supply of the amino acid arginine, and a diet lacking arginine causes weight loss and can be fatal. Another unusual feature is that the cat also cannot produce the amino acid taurine, with taurine deficiency causing macular degeneration, where the cat’s retina

slowly degenerates, resulting in irreversible blindness (taurine is added to commercial cat food). Since cats tend to eat all of their prey, they obtain minerals by digesting animal bones, and a diet composed only of meat may cause calcium deficiency.

ŠDepositPhotos

What Is A Feral Cat? Feral cats are wild cats that are unfamiliar with humans and roam freely in urban or rural areas. The numbers of feral cats are not known, but estimates of the U.S. feral population range from 25 to 60Â million. Feral cats may live alone, but most are found in groups called feral colonies, which occupy a specific territory and are usually associated with a source of food. Famous feral cat colonies are found in Rome around the Colosseum and Forum Romanum.

One common approach to reducing the feral cat population is termed trap-neuter-return, where the cats are trapped, neutered, immunized against rabies and the feline leukemia virus, and then released. Before releasing them back into their feral colonies, the attending veterinarian often nips the tip off one ear to mark the feral as neutered and inoculated, since these cats may be trapped again.

Heartworms?

Yes. Although cats are infected less often than dogs, it is a problem for cats living in mosquito prone areas (Houston!), Including indoor cats. Symptoms of infection tend to be more immunerelated than heart-failure related (as in dogs). Cats develop more of a lung disease, complete with respiratory distress, and chronic coughing or vomiting.

Myth: Tapeworms come from bad food.

Fact: Pets become infected with tape worms from

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swallowing fleas, which carry the parasite. Also, cats can get tapeworms from eating infected mice or other exposed animals.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Cat Trivia ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

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A cat's normal body temperature is 101.5 degrees F (38.6 C).

A group of adult cats is called a clowder.

A cat can be either right-pawed or left-pawed.

A female cat can begin mating when she is between 5 and 9 months old. In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce an incredible 420,000 kittens! Please Spay & Neuter (including stray cats if you can).

A female cat can begin mating when she is between 5 and 9 months old.

A cat will never break a sweat because it has no sweat glands.

Heatstroke?

Yes. A cat with moderate heatstroke (body temp from 104º to 106ºF) can recover within an hour if given prompt first aid and veterinary care (normal body temp is 99.5-102.5°F). Severe heatstroke (body temp over 106ºF) can be deadly and immediate veterinary assistance is needed. Signs include rapid panting, bright red tongue, thick saliva, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, coma.

Is your cat too fat? Subjectively, you should be able to feel the backbone and palpate the ribs in a cat of healthy weight. If you cannot feel your pet’s ribs without pressing, there is too much fat. You should also see a noticeable “waist” between the back of the rib cage and the hips. Obesity in cats can lead to diabetes, hepatic lipidosis and arthritis.

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©DepositPhotos

Fat Cat?

Local business offers up tasty, healthy raw diet for cats

B

obcat Raw Food is a local Houston raw cat food manufacturer, founded by Kate Eydelnant. The food is carefully handcrafted in small batches, using only high quality human-grade meats and organs and enriched with essential vitamins and minerals. Learn more or purchase food for your kitty at bobcatrawfood.com.

Take advantage of Bobcat Raw’s convenient hand delivery in Houston or they ship throughout Texas.

Cats & Kittens CATS & KITTENS asks players to match up adult cats with their samebreed offspring. Twenty-five breeds are featured, and the game also includes breed-specific factoids.

Royalties from the sale will go to the Battersea Cats & Dogs Home in the UK, founded in 1860 and famous for being the supplier of the resident cat at 10 Downing Street, "hired" to keep mice away from the residence of the Prime Minister.

Inappropriate Elimination: The top 3 reasons for cats not using their litterbox are: Behavior: Litter box is not clean enough for a particular cat, multi-cat households can have territorial issues, placement of the box in the house.

The rule of thumb is that there should

be 1 more litterbox than the number of cats in the household. Also, the old fashioned clay/clumping litters are preferable for litter (unscented).

Physiological: Arthritis (can’t get in the box or upstairs to a box), bladder infections or stones.

Stress: A change in the environment such as moving, adding a child or other animal to the house, etc. Cats prefer a slightly dark, quiet spot for their litter box placement.

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Feline Health: Common Diseases By: Nancy L. Suska, DVM, MBA, Medical Director | VCA Beacon Hill Cat Hospital | AAFP Gold Feline Friendly Practice

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ATS. How we love them. How we think they can “take care of themselves” and don’t need health care. Truth be told, cats are masters at hiding even major health problems and pain. Not only are they very stoic, but also as a prey species, instinct tells them to not show signs of weakness or something higher up in the food chain will eat them. This is why it is so important for your cat to have annual veterinary visits.

Senior cats (7 years and older) should visit their veterinarian semi-annually. Sadly, although the number of owned cats has increased in this country, the number of veterinary visits has decreased. Reasons include “it’s too stressful,” “my cat is indoor only”, and of course, “my cat can take care of itself.”

This article will focus on some of the most common diseases I see in my feline patients. These are not necessarily in order of frequency or severity.

Dental Disease Statistically, by age 3 most cats (and their canine counterparts) have gingivitis and tartar that warrant a professional teeth cleaning. Most pets will need professional teeth cleaning on an annual basis. When you think about it, this makes sense. We (humans) brush our teeth 2-3 times per day, but still need our teeth professionally cleaned twice yearly! Early intervention via Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) by your veterinarian can reverse early disease and save teeth. Tips for managing your cats’ dental hygiene include: ❖ Start handling your cat’s mouth at an early age, rubbing the gums and lifting the lips, so she becomes used to oral care and examination. Give positive reinforcement when she allows this. ❖ Water additives and dental products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) can be helpful in

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❖

fighting dental disease.

Get an annual oral evaluation by your veterinarian.

Obesity It is estimated that 60% of U.S. cats are overweight or obese. This puts them at an increased risk for Diabetes Mellitus, Arthritis, and FLUTD. . We do know that within days of being spayed or neutered, our pet’s appetite increases and the metabolism drops.

I think that today’s indoor cat will also (over) eat out of boredom. We must remember that obesity is a simple math problem: Calories in are greater than calories out. Also, that WE, not the cat, are in charge of meals. How we can manage this: ❖ Start managing your cat’s weight at an early age ❖ Ask your veterinarian to determine your cat’s ideal weight. Body condition score (BCS) and muscle condition score (MCS) should be assessed at every visit. ❖ Then ask how much food your cat should have per 24 hours. ❖ Measure the amount of food required for 24 hours. Put this food into a separate container and train yourself and your family to feed only from this container (including snacks) for that 24 hour period. ❖ Don’t feed your cat when she follows you into the kitchen. She’ll gladly take the food, but really just wants some attention. ❖ Cats are nibblers and will leave food and come back to it later. Do not keep changing the food, thinking that your cat doesn’t like it; this can lead to a cycle that creates obesity. ❖ Treats: Use some of the daily allotment of dry food. It’s the process of hand feeding that they like. 34

Chronic Kidney Disease As our cats age, so do their kidneys.

While kidney insufficiency (not working 100%) is usually a Senior Disease, some younger cats can be affected. The kidneys’ job is to keep fluid for the body and keep electrolytes (such as potassium and phosphorous) balanced. They also send a signal to the bone marrow to make red blood cells. There may be no outward signs in the early or middle stages, so annual Early Disease Detection (EDD) lab work to check the kidney chemistries, complete blood Count and urinalysis is crucial to catching this disease early.

There are special diets formulated for the kidneys that have been scientifically proven to slow the progression of this disease.

Later in the course of kidney disease you may see some or all of the following: ❖ Increased thirst – you may actually see your cat drinking water (often they are secretive). ❖ Larger and more urine clumps in the litter box ❖ Sleeping more ❖ Weakness ❖ Weight loss/ decreased muscle mass ❖ Decreased appetite ❖ Poor hair coat ❖ Vomiting ❖ Pale gums ❖ Dehydration (sunken eyes, less elastic skin). They are literally urinating out most of what they drink

Hyperthyroid Disease This is another disease of the middle aged and older cats. It occurs in about 10% of cats older than 10 years. The thyroid glands are in the neck, under the skin and are responsible for metabolism. In order to properly function, the organs in the body rely on having the thyroid well balanced. There are several treatments for this disease: medical management, diet (a special prescription diet does exist), surgical removal of the affected gland(s), and radioactive iodine treatment. Signs

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of hyperthyroidism are due to increased metabolism and include: ❖ Great, often voracious, appetite ❖ Weight loss, mistakenly thought that “the diet is finally working!” in your overweight cat ❖ Increased activity, sometimes to the point of restlessness ❖ Increased thirst and urination ❖ Decreased muscle mass ❖ Dehydration ❖ Increased vocalization ❖ Vomiting and/or diarrhea ❖ Poor hair coat

Hypertension Unlike in people, this is not a primary condition. It is secondary to some other disease such as kidney, thyroid, and heart.

Hypertension can damage the brain, eyes, heart and kidneys. As in people, it is “the silent killer” because there are no outward signs, until damage has been done to those target organs. Unfortunately, the most common finding I see is a blind kitty because of retinal detachment. Because cats can still navigate through the house, many owners may not even realize their cat is blind unless the furniture is rearranged. Then, they will see their cat

bumping into things and “hugging the wall” to move throughout the house.

Blood pressure needs to be checked annually, especially in cats with diseases affecting the target organs.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) This is actually a cluster of various problems that can all cause similar signs.

Causes include infection, crystals or stones in the bladder, stress, and feline interstitial cystitis. Your cat needs to be seen by your veterinarian and a urinalysis performed if you see any of these signs: ❖ Straining to urinate ❖ More frequent trips to the litter box ❖ Blood in the urine ❖ Urinating outside of the litter box ❖ Attempting to urinate, but with no production is an emergency, as this could be a life-threatening obstruction

Arthritis Statistically, as many as 92% of cats have arthritis; even young cats. Cats generally don’t limp, unless the joint on both sides is affected. Often, owners will think that their cat is sleeping more or less active because it’s getting older. In reality, the

cat is painful. Some other indications that your cat may have arthritis include (but are not limited to): ❖ Decreased grooming or over-grooming a painful area ❖ Hesitation to jump ❖ Aggression when handled ❖ Not using the litter box As you can see, there are many diseases that cats can get and many of the signs are similar. Objective evaluation by your veterinarian at least annually is essential to detecting these early when they can be managed or even cured. In our practice, our doctors and our cat owners work as a team to help their cats live a longer, healthier life.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners is an organization dedicated to supporting it’s member veterinarians and providing them the resources needed to improve the health and welfare of cats.

Please visit the website at catvets.com for further information about the diseases above. Additionally, you will find valuable information about other topics such as house soiling, tips on getting your cat to the vet, caring for your older cat, environmental enrichment and more.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

35

Littered with Kittens too Young to Adopt Tips and ways the community can support kittens in need at Harris County Animal Shelter

K

ittens—they are adorable, entertaining and irresistibly sweet when they are cuddled together sleeping with their siblings. But, when is cuteness overload too much of a good thing?

Although kittens are born and found year-round in the shelters throughout the greater Houston area, kitten season—when there is a greater influx of kittens in the shelters—begins late March and lasts through August. During this time, there is an explosive number of litters being born throughout the 1700-square miles that defines our expansive community. Unwanted cats and kittens, when not left on the street to fend for themselves, turn up in large numbers at the local municipal shelters and with rescue organizations.

By: Kerry McKeel, Harris County Animal Shelter “We are currently seeing an average of three litters of kittens a day and in many cases the kittens are too young and vulnerable to be part of our adoption program,” said Dr. Victoria Martin, chief of veterinary operations, Harris County Animal Shelter. “In general, kittens less than eight-weeks-old and less than two pounds, thrive when they are able to remain with their mother or are cared for in a foster home where they can be bottle-fed until they are old enough to return to the shelter for adoption, “ said Martin.

In 2017, Harris County Animal Shelter alone took in over 3,000 kittens and litters during the 18-week height of Houston’s kitten season. So what do you do if you find a litter of kittens? And

Wait & Watch If you spot a litter outside, be mindful that you may have come across the kittens while their mother is off searching for food, or is in the process of moving them to a different location. Try to determine if the mother is coming back for them, or if they are truly orphaned. If they appear well taken care of (full bellies, groomed/not dirty, healthy) chances are the mom is around and it is best to leave the kittens where you found them.

Kittens get the best care from their mother and it is recommended that they remain with them until they are eightweeks-old or two pounds. If you spot mom and the kittens together and they are in eminent danger or vulnerable to the elements, bring both mom and kittens to the shelter.

Take Action

©DepositPhotos

If you find kittens that are weak, underweight, dirty or sick and after observing them for a while no mother can be found, bring them to the shelter.

Provide Lifesaving Support. Consider fostering found kittens or kittens currently in need at Harris County Animal Shelter or with other local municipal shelters and animal rescue organizations. Kitten Care Kits, containing supplies and instructions for care are available for free through Harris County Animal Shelter. Once kittens reach eight-weeks-old or are two pounds they can safely return to the shelter for age appropriate vaccines, spay or neuter and adoption.

Resources are often already stretched to their limit as shelters and rescue groups, which often take in thousands of adult animals every year, are inundated with homeless kittens.

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how can you help to prevent unwanted litters? Here are tips and ways the Houston community can work together with local municipal shelters and rescues groups to save kittens’ lives:

Prevent It is recommended that you keep your cat inside to inhibit wandering and searching for a mate, but the only

©DepositPhotos

absolute way to stop unwanted litters of kittens is to spay or neuter your cat.

Low-cost and sometimes free spay or neuter services are available through organizations like Emancipet, Spay and

Neuter Assistance Program and the Empty Shelter Project. You can also check your local municipal shelters for free or discounted spay and neuter events.

Local animal rescue organizations and municipal animal shelters, like Harris County Animal Shelter, rely on foster homes to provide lifesaving support to kittens younger than eight-weeks-old and less than two pounds. To learn more about becoming a kitten foster for Harris County Animal Shelter or to donate to community Kitten Care Kits, email foster@phs.hctx. net or visit CountyPets.com.

Kitten Care Kit Kitten Care Kits are available for free through Harris County Animal Shelter to people who find and are willing to foster orphaned kittens less than eight-weeks-old or less than two pounds. To donate supplies to the Kitten Care Kits, visit www.countypets.com or drop off at 612 Canino Road, Houston, TX. Supplies needed include: ❖

KMR milk replacer

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Kitten food

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Kitty litter

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Kitten nursing bottle

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3-cc syringes for feeding

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Deep foil pans (for litter boxes)

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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ONLY NATURAL PET CAT APPROVED All products available at PetSmart, see coupon on page 8.

ROAR FOR RAW Frozen raw food is coarseground, raw meat, organs and bone with fish oil, goat milk and apple cider vinegar. Individually wrapped meal bars. Find them in the PetSmart freezers starting in June! See coupon on page 8.

CALM KITTY Just Relax Calming Spray will calm your cat with essential oils that help soothe nerves without sedatives or altering your cat’s personality. Spray in the environment including carriers, rooms, beds during stressful events like trips to the vet or introducing new pets.

BONE UP! Human grade bone broth made from free-range beef, chicken or turkey bones with turmeric, chia, kale and parsley.

It’s a great way to add flavor, moisture and a nutrition boost to the diet.

Learn more about the variety of products from Only Natural Pet at onlynaturalpet.com.

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PLAY DAY We all know cats love to play by chasing, pouncing, stalking, searching and pawing. From feathers to sounds to catnip holders and more, creative cat toys abound so make your feline happy and best of all, stimulated mentally, with a variety of play pieces. Engage their sight, smell, hearing...they will be purring with joy with all their new toys!

KITTY SLUMBER & SCRATCH PADS Cat scratch pads are the HOT item on cat owner's shopping lists. Why? Because there are SO many trendy, new designs that accent the home in many shapes and colors. Gone are the days of the ugly, boring scratchers! Check out these pads from Imperial Cat along with many other choices at Patti's Pet Depot. From furniture pieces to small pads, the choices are endless!

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1ST

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2ND

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Teemo

Misty

Wildflower Photo Contest

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re these shots not the cutest! We love getting all of the fun entries in our biggest contest of the year, PetTalk's 11th annual Pets in the Wildflowers Photo Contest sponsored by Bingle Vet. As is our tradition, we print ALL entries

Addie Bo

Arya

because they are all so creative and they make us smile! Finalists were chosen by public voting and the winner was chosen by Bingle Vet staff. The top dog award goes to "Teemo", submitted my mom, Ashley.

Bingle Vet is a family-owned veterinary

Billy

practice committed to the compassionate care of pets while providing impeccable service to pet parents at two locations: Spring Branch/Memorial and Katy. Visit them at BingleVet.com to learn more. Thank you Bingle Vet for your generous sponsorship!

Blackeyed Susans

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Health AAHA Accreditation

Why It Matters For Hospitals & Pet Owners

M

ost people who own a pet don't realize that unlike human hospitals, veterinary hospitals are not required in any way to become accredited. Plus, gaining accreditation is not an easy task. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is the only organization that accredits animal hospitals throughout the United States.

To achieve AAHA-accredited status, practices undergo a rigorous evaluation process that ensures they meet the high standards of excellence. Those hospitals who seek excellence will be evaluated on approximately 900 quality standards. Thus, we know that those hospitals being evaluated must go above and beyond the basic state regulations to become accredited.

The standards developed

by AAHA are widely accepted as those components of veterinary practice

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that represent the highest quality care.

Plus, the standards are periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that they remain consistent with evolving knowledge and technology.

Accreditation helps veterinary hospitals stay on the leading edge of veterinary medicine and provide the quality and range of services you and your pet deserve. The list of 900 standards represents the collective efforts, experience, intelligence and thoroughness of an

By: Dr. Laura Noaker vergi247.com

organization that has literally defined great veterinary medicine for decades.

By attaining AAHA accreditation, veterinary Hospitals are demonstrating their dedication to providing the best care possible to its patients and clients. VERGI Emergency and Critical Care Hospital is one of the newest veterinary hospitals to be evaluated and become designated as an AAHA Accredited hospital. We’re dedicated to providing the best care possible for your pet.

By going through this evaluation process, we challenged ourselves to be the best we can be and ensures that we are staying true to our mission, vision, and values.

Learn more about VERGI by visiting www. vergi247. com

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Tail End SENIOR ADOPTION A Love Story How Prince Found His Forever Home

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his is the story of Craig Havaty and his new friend Prince. From being left in a cardboard box on the property of Houston Humane to being adopted by Craig, Prince has a whole new "leash" on life. Prince is a senior citizen, which can make it difficult get adopted so we applaud Craig for giving him a loving home and we wanted to share their story with you!

I first laid eyes on Prince, my elderly Shih Tzu, on the Houston Humane Society Facebook page just a few weeks before Thanksgiving 2017. In about an hour or so ten of my friends sent me his photo, begging me to go visit him. I went to see him after hours at the shelter and something seemed to have clicked between us. He’s got that relaxed attitude,

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By: Craig Hlavaty Houston Chronicle

a prominent under bite, and he’s built like a tank.

He wouldn’t let me leave without him that night and within two hours we were watching TV together on my couch and he seemed at ease. Since then he's been on TV with me, slobbered all over a radio microphone at KPRC 950, browsed for records with me at Cactus Music, barked at the waves on North Padre Island, and starred in more of my Instagram videos than he or I can remember.

He loves dragging me through our neighborhood in Montrose and peeing on various plants along the way. I feel as if he's aging in reverse, acting younger and younger every week. It's not a stretch to say that he's enriched my life in so many immeasurable ways.

BOUNDARIES

How Horses Help Us Recognize Our Energy Field

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s humans, boundaries are part of our everyday life. How we view, communicate and protect boundaries can have a profound affect on our life. Statements like, "Don't be a doormat, you need to set boundaries”, Or, “Your kids have no respect for others, you need to teach them boundaries”, are not uncommon words to hear.

Interestingly, over the last several years, there has been much talk about boundaries. In fact, in a couples counseling session, our counselor brought up the boundaries issue. He had an interesting perspective. It was his opinion, when we set boundaries, we sever connections with people.

What is the right answer? Should we create boundaries to protect ourselves at the risk of losing connection to others? Should we not worry about boundaries and understand that connections come at a price? I believe the answer is a balance between the two extremes.

As we discuss boundaries, we also need to consider not only physical boundaries, but also emotional and energetic. To many, the idea of an energetic boundary may be new. Have you been in a situation where you felt uncomfortable, turned around and saw someone staring at you? This is an example of an energy boundary encroachment. I encourage you to go to HeartMath. org to learn about some of the incredible discoveries scientists are making regarding the energetic field created by our hearts.

Horses can teach us how to recognize and play with energy fields. This energetic dance is clear when horses are worked at liberty, or they don’t want to be caught.

One of the amazing things horses can teach us is how to recognize our energy field and to recognize the energy field of another being. For me, this revelation helped me to better understand my specific needs to create my safe zone physically, emotionally and energetically.

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By: Renee Adair equiaccel.com

ILLUSTRATION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC BANDS SURROUNDING A HORSE Circular lines are called ‘proximity zones’, the limits where you can elicit a response from the horse. Neutral areas (n) are in between the proximity zones. This is the area where the connectivity can be lost and the horse may become disinterested.

The outer layer is the ‘environmental layer’, the middle layer is the ‘layer of connection’ , the inner most layer is the ‘layer of personal space’.

USING THE HEART’S ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD AND HORSES, WE CAN BETTER UNDERSTAND OUR EMOTIONAL STATE OF BEING. It has been amazing to witness that boundaries are not one-size-fits all.

Boundaries are as unique as the individual.

For example, the more extroverted humans and horses seem to have a smaller “nozone” around them than the introverts.

How does this show up in the world? The extroverts are comfortable in crowds, in fact many thrive in throngs of people. The introverts are often the people who feel comfortable on stage. They need space to perform at their peak. In horses and dogs, the extroverts are those that will be in your pocket. The introverts can appear aloof.

The cool and sometimes frustrating thing about the human experience is that we were all created as unique beings. To live our life to the fullest means learning how to recognize what we need to feel safe, happy and productive and to honor that others achieve safety, happiness and productivity in a completely different way. I believe if we understand what we need, then we can appreciate the uniqueness of others and create a community where our unique gifts build us up rather than tear us down.

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

THE REINFORCER:

Shedding Light On Clicker Training

By: Jeff Murphrey, Canine Country Club, mycaninecountryclub.com

A

friend of mine tells of watching a visitor to a pet product exhibition approach a display of clickers with his faithful companion on leash.

He picks up a clicker from the display, stares at it for a moment, then points it at his dog like a remote aimed at a TV, and clicks. The dog stares blankly back.

The man mutters under his breath that “he knew it was a gimmick” and shuffles away, puzzled dog in tow.

A clicker can be a very powerful training tool – but it is just that – a tool. It isn’t magical, it takes some practice, and may not be the best tool for every dog in every situation.

HOW IT WORKS A clicker is a conditioned reinforcer, which is a fancy way of saying that the clicks alone mean nothing to a dog until they are paired with a more traditional reinforcer (reward) such as food. This can be as simple as clicking, immediately giving the dog a food treat, and then repeating fifty or so times (in increments of ten) or until the dog visibly reacts when he hears the click. Now the “click” is no longer a meaningless sound to the dog, but rather a signal that a food treat is on the way (which is why clickers work best with dogs that are highly treat motivated).

WHAT IT DOES Clickers have essentially two functions: (1) to mark a very specific moment in time when a desired behavior occurs (like the instant a dogs bottom first touches the floor when a “sit” is desired); and (2)

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bridging the time delay between when a desired behavior occurs and the delivery of a reward (as when the dog is asked to sit while twenty feet away).

example, teaching a reluctant dog to get in a car by clicking/treating each time it gets closer to the vehicle, when it puts one foot in, then two, etc.

WHEN IT WORKS BEST

WHEN ANOTHER TECHNIQUE MAY WORK BETTER

Clicker training works really well with food-motivated dogs in the acquisition phase of learning (when a new behavior is first introduced). It is particularly useful when capturing a behavior. For example, clicking and treating every time your dog cocks his head in that oh-so-cute way. It is also great for shaping a new behavior by rewarding successively closer approximations of the desired behavior. For

Dogs that are not particularly food/treat motivated may not be the best clicker candidates. Behaviors like heeling that are continuous in nature or that require you to juggle other tools like leashes and treats may be easier to train another way.

Behaviors that can easily be immediately rewarded with food may not require a clicker as an intermediate step

JUST REMEMBER A clicker, while a great tool, is not a magic bullet and won’t change the channels on your TV!

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Waiting ...

For Yop u soon!

Pick me u

Your new best friend is waiting...

Adopt a schnauzer, and save a life!

www.SchnauzerRescueTexas.me

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Saving Dogs...

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and asked if HCR could help. I said yes, so she also had surgery in China,” Alice said.

Meanwhile, Slaughterhouse Survivors asked if she could help other Collies and Shelties they found, but Alice opted to first finish the process with Anan and Mulan. It’s quite expensive – approximately $3,000 each that included rabies vaccinations, spaying and neutering. “HCR asked for donations on our Facebook page, and we did get some substantial donations to help with the cost of flying them here,” Alice said.

The dogs went through surgery, then rabies quarantine for a month.

The next task was to find Chinese

The original photo of dogs in China that Alice Rostkowski saw on Facebook.

WHILE THERE IS NEW GLOBAL AWARENESS OF HOW GRISLY THE KILLING OF DOGS AND CATS FOR FOOD IS, ANIMALSASIA.ORG ESTIMATES THAT IN CHINA ALONE, 10 MILLION DOGS AND 4 MILLION CATS ARE SLAUGHTERED EACH YEAR FOR THE MEAT TRADE.

Photos provided by Tammy Canton

T

he long journey for a Collie and a Shetland Sheepdog from Chinese dog-meat markets to new lives in the Houston area shows the international scope of concern for this situation in parts of Asia. The story began with the efforts of Slaughterhouse Survivors HRB, a group located in Heilongjiang, China that rescues dogs from slaughterhouses and other terrible situations, and continued with Houston Collie Rescue’s (HCR) work to initially save one Collie that expanded to include the Sheltie.

In July 2016, HCR’s adoption coordinator Alice Rostkowski saw a horrifying photo on Facebook that showed so many dogs in a fenced lot that she thought was a slaughterhouse yard.

“What I saw was a photo of dogs in a lot run by monks where the activists take the dogs they’ve saved from trucks on the way to a meat market,” she said. “The treatment in the rescue lots is absolutely horrendous. The food is dumped in troughs. There is no sanitation and they catch diseases including STDs and distemper.” The rescue lot is open to the public to grab whatever dogs they want. While purebreds go quickly, Alice saw a Collie in the photo who wasn’t chosen due to having a large benign tumor on his neck.

Alice wrote a comment on the post asking how she could help the dog, whose name is Anan. An Irish woman who pulls dogs from China put her in touch with the administrators of the Slaughterhouse Survivors HRB’s Facebook page. “At that point I committed to him no matter what.”

It was a long drawn-out process. “First Anan had surgery in China to remove the tumor. While he was recovering, they sent me a picture of a Sheltie named Mulan that had vaginal tumors

By: Mara Soloway Special Thanks to Alice Rostkowski and Houston Collie Rescue

From the Chinese Meat Markets

By: Mara Soloway

volunteers to bring them as their pets on an airplane to avoid the expense of shipping them as cargo. To fly within the U.S., the dogs needed a health certificate. Alice contacted the Northern CA Sheltie Rescue-NorCal Collie Rescue, which asked for volunteers to meet the plane landing in San Francisco in November 2016, and Denice Weatherwax with the Sheltie rescue volunteered. She coordinated having Anan and Mulan receive all their other vaccinations in San Francisco so they could get a health certificate to fly.

Anan and Mulan were then flown to Houston and fostered by HCR volunteers, and they were adopted soon after.

Alice feels they are really well-adjusted for what they’ve gone through. “Both Anan and Mulan were adopted by former Houston Collie Rescue adopters and live in the Houston area. Mulan has been renamed Riley Ann. They are very much loved in their wonderful forever homes, and we get to see them both at Houston Collie Rescue reunion events.

Both dogs are loved, healthy, and happy members of a family and will never be food on someone's plate,” Alice said.

While there is new global awareness of how grisly the killing of dogs and cats for food is, AnimalsAsia.org estimates that in China alone, 10 million dogs and 4 million cats are slaughtered each year for the meat trade. It’s mind-boggling for those of us who adore and love our pets.

“A small group of animal lovers are trying to save them but the problem is there are so many dogs in need,” Alice said. “We find it hard to understand a culture that treats dogs like livestock.”

Mulan the Sheltie

Anon the Collie

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Revealed RESCUE

PUGHEARTS RESCUE

PUGHEART’S MISSION

P

ugHearts of Houston Pug Rescue is a true 501(c)(3) non-profit charity founded in the Houston area by dedicated pug owners and lovers. Their mission is the rescue, rehabilitation and permanent placement of needy pugs into loving homes. Their motto is “Any Pug, Any Age, Any Condition, Any Time."

OVERVIEW OF THE RESCUE PugHearts was founded in 2007 by a small group of dedicated animal lovers. In the eleven years since its founding, PugHearts has successfully rescued 2,532 dogs and currently have 101 current foster dogs in their care. PugHearts is staffed by a network of volunteers in and around the Greater Houston area. All dogs are cared for in private foster homes (approximately 95 foster families across the Greater Houston area). Once the rescues are completely vetted and recovered from their treatments, then they are introduced to potential adoptive families. Find the Pug for you and learn more at pughearts.com.

Natalie Each issue, we highlight a local 501(c)3 animal charity in hopes that our readers will find their true love with one of these rescue groups! Charities are chosen from PetTalk GoFetch, our pet directory website and free mobile App, www. pettalkgofetch.com. To be listed as a rescue group, please email info@houstonpettalk.com.

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Natalie was found tied to a pole on a street terrified of her own shadow. She would hide and scream when Pug Hearts tried to rescue her. It took us a long time to win her trust. Over time she became the curious, sweet and very playful pup she was meant to be. She loves to play and throws her plush toys 4 feet in the air! She is a one year old Chug (Chihuahua-pug mix) and once she completes her heartworm treatment, she will be ready for a family of her own. Photo By: Kristyna Lovell.

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 KEEPING OUR WORLD WILD

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I

n April, the Houston Zoo announced major plans that will transform the zoo over the next 20 years.

This new master plan will reconfigure the zoo into experiential zones that highlight wildlife and ecosystems found in Texas and around the world. With conservation messaging integrated throughout these zones, guests will leave the zoo inspired to take action to save animals in the wild.

The first phase of this plan takes place over the next few years. The Keeping Our World Wild: Centennial Campaign is set to be completed by 2022, just in time for the zoo’s 100-year celebration. Every year leading to the zoo’s centennial, an exciting new chapter will open for guests to explore,

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 the zoo's new plans for the future. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

By: Lauren St. Pierre, The Houston Zoo

and nearly half of the zoo’s acreage will be redeveloped by 2022. The four new areas to explore include the Heart of the Zoo, Pantanal: Trail of the Jaguar, Ancient Relatives, and Galapagos Islands and North Arrival Plaza.

Set for completion in spring 2019, Heart of the Zoo celebrates the biodiversity of Texas, enhances guest amenities, and sets the stage for a more navigable zoo.

The Cypress Circle Café will be transformed into a signature gathering place and will open later this year. The Texas Wetlands exhibit will feature alligators, bald eagles, and whooping cranes.

Existing exhibits, like the orangutan and bear habitats, will also be enhanced in this first phase of construction.

The Texas Wetlands exhibit will engage visitors in the zoo’s conservation programs with local species. Funds raised through this campaign will support field conservation projects tied to the animals featured in the Heart of the Zoo. The zoo is strengthening a partnership with the International Whooping Crane Foundation and their work based at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. In Borneo, the zoo’s partnership with the Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project helps protect these gentle creatures and other rainforest dwellers.

Pantanal: Trail of the Jaguar is slated to open in 2020. This new exhibit will explore the legendary tropical wetlands of Brazil, home to South America’s

greatest concentration of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, giant river otters, capybaras, birds, anacondas, anteaters and tapirs. The zoo partners with on-the-ground conservationists in South and Central America to study and protect these species.

This exhibit will strengthen the zoo’s conservation investment by offering visitors a more immersive, engaging experience of this ecosystem.

Then in 2021, the zoo will present a reimagined Bird Garden and a new Avian Conservation Center. This phase will showcase the zoo’s signature, award-winning bird conservation work; the new facility will support breeding programs for rare curassows and macaws, as well as the breeding and

releasing of Attwater’s prairie chickens.

Finally, in 2022, a first-ofits-kind Galapagos exhibit, plus enhancements to the main entrance and central public spaces, will open to the public. This unique Galapagos exhibit will feature sea lions, sharks, sea turtles, giant tortoises,

and other iconic species.

No place better illustrates the wonders of unique species, the delicate balance of ecosystems, or the pressing need for conservation action than the Galapagos Islands.

This exhibit will immerse visitors in the Islands’ starkly beautiful environment and highlight the zoo’s ongoing

field work with giant tortoises, birds, and marine animals.

The zoo aims to redefine what a zoo can be with beautiful and immersive habitats, compelling guest experiences, and an unyielding commitment to saving wildlife. Together, we will keep our world wild.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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