August 2019

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August 2019

Animals in Art ALSO INSIDE

LOST PETS: WHERE TO LOOK OODLES OF DOODLES: THE POODLE MIX CRAZE FLEAS: GET THE 411

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Editorial August 2019

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reating the PetTalk cover is one of my favorite things to do, albeit sometimes one of the most difficult. The cover is ultra important because it’s like a big advertisement - it has to be interesting enough for people to pick it up and look inside. Covers are filled with lots of behind the scenes difficulties that most people wouldn’t realize… much like how it appears easy to hit a golf ball until you try it!

The creative process for the magazine cover has many layers. First, the cover shot has to be engaging, which at a minimum requires a great, stylistic photo or image.

Next, the design elements need to frame the photo and enhance it, not detract from it. Then comes font choices, which can take many hours and iterations to get just the right combo of color and mix of font styles that go well together. Finally, the copy points that call out the inside articles to entice readers to pick up the magazine have to be very concise but attention grabbing.

And, this process doesn’t even address the hours that go into getting the cover shot. The cover starts with an idea, then

contacting and working with whoever the cover model happens to be to arrange a photoshoot on site or in studio. Many times, we are using some sort of prop or design that has to be purchased or handmade (like our July cover background). Once the shoot is underway, getting the animal to cooperate with my “vision” of the shot can be anywhere from a little frustrating to downright hilarious. I could probably write a book on the crazy photoshoots I’ve been involved in over the last 17 years. Let’s just say my “vision” rarely comes out exactly as my mind’s eye sees it because the animals have their own ideas! Once the shoot is complete, I work with the photographer to choose the image (s) which is then sent to post production to get the image looking its absolute best.

Whew! And that’s just the cover…there are still 67 pages to go and this process happens monthly. But I LOVE it and when I look back at previous covers, I truly am amazed at the quality and diversity. That sounds a little braggadocious but I feel I’m allowed a little back patting only because I know the hard work of a talented team

Fantastical Freedom Animals in Art is not new but every artist's style and interpretation is what makes art so captivating. Our art issue highlights a painting workshop featuring our Editor's rescue horse "Freedom" and the various paintings that evolved from that fun adventure. The cover art is by Julie Cross who captured both the relationship and the rainy weather beautifully. Enjoy the Freedom paintings and much more in our feature story.

behind what appears to be a “simple" image.

Having said all of that, I hope you LOVE this cover of the Art Issue as much as I do. I'm a bit prejudiced because it’s my rescue horse Freedom that was painted during an art workshop...and of course it poured rain that day! I witnessed the artists photographing then sketching Freedom and I know the obstacles that had to be overcome due to weather. I wanted to share their talented interpretations through their paintbrushes.

In addition to Freedom’s art debut, you’ll also find some other very talented artists in our feature story. If you are ever looking for a keepsake or the best personalized gift you could give an animal lover in your life, capturing their pet in some form of art is priceless.

Plus, don't forget to check our calendar for fun events, including the Astros Dog Day (see page 21), where you and your pup can enjoy America's pastime together!

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 2019. 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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ome things in life have value, like doctors, fruit trees, honey bees and concrete. Other things have no value, like the Kardashians, tofu brownies and toe rings. Nothing brought this concept home like an experience I recently had with one of my cousins. For privacy’s sake, so as not to irreparably damage her otherwise already damaged reputation of ineptitude, I cannot tell you which cousin. We will just call her cousin H (cousin Hortense asked that I make sure and let everyone know it’s NOT her).

Last month, Cousin “H” and I were sitting at home watching the USA Women’s World Cup Team dare to celebrate a goal against Thailand, when she turned and said, “Henrietta, if you think that controversy is big, do you know what REALLY lights up a soccer stadium?” Not on my best game, I dumbly answered “No, what?” “A match!” Geez, can’t believe I fell for that. In order to put myself out of this misery, I suggested we head down to the Salty Dog to experience Thailand in a different way, via a Mai Tai. It was during a discussion of why humans try to kick a ball into a net when they could just put it in their mouth and run off that Cousin H suddenly reached in her bag, pulled out her latest copy of DOGUE to tell me about a contest she wanted to enter.

“Henrietta, you know how gaga I am over Seal, right?” “Yes Cousin H…who wouldn’t know that. Your ringtone is Kiss From A Rose, you’re constantly humming Hey Joe and you tried to pay Macho Mike the Mastiff

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to knock off Heidi Klum, so yes, I know.”

“Well, you won’t believe it but there is a contest in DOGUE to win a KISS from SEEEAAALLL!!!” She squealed his name so loud I thought Mr. Gunderson’s pig had come in the door for a cold one. The next thing that happened blew my mind. I heard myself actually encouraging this madness by asking what she had to do to win.

Cousin H quickly scanned the contest rules, jumped off her bar stool, grabbed my paw and dragged me out the door. “We have to be the first one to find 5 items in a Fashion Treasure Hunt! We can sniff those out in no time!!”

Now, the operative word here is “we”. Not “I” but “we”. It all happened so fast. One minute I’m enjoying shootin’ the bull over a Thai libation and the next minute I want to shoot my cousin. Off we go running down the street to the shopping district to find one pink polka dot bikini, a fishing jacket with lures attached, one gold slipper, a pair of peace sign embellished bell-bottom jeans and a hat made of feathers.

We raced through thrift stores, jumped over bums on the street, scanned through racks of clothes, checked the dumpsters (we didn’t find any of the items but I did find a half-eaten McRib sandwich which may have actually made this escapade worth it), and took the subway to a sporting goods store for lures. Breathless, out of money and standing in front of the Salty Dog with Cousin H wearing a Pink Polka Dot Bikini with one gold slipper and me wearing a fishing jacket and a feather hat, I had to face

my nemesis, Felicity Farnsworth. “Henrietta, you really should check yourself into a rehab unit and I don’t mean one with underwater treadmills and agility equipment.” Great.

Now the entire neighborhood will know about this within the time it’s going to take me to kill my cousin.

I’m still reeling from how I got into this mess when Cousin H pulls me into the DOGUE offices beaming proudly that she has tracked down all 5 items. “You are the winner!" shouts the lady and Cousin H jumps on the desk and nearly licks the woman’s face off. For my part, I”m thinking this might not be so bad because I’m sure when SEAL sees me, he will surely want to kiss me too.

“Wait right here while I get your prize” says the lady. Wow! SEAL is actually waiting in the back room for us? Cool!!

What happened next defies reality. The woman walked out with a seal on a leash.

It waddled on its flippers right over to us.

Cousin H gasped and then fainted on the floor while I stood there not sure if I should run, cry or truly kill Cousin H. Well, you can guess what happened next.

After Cousin H was revived with smelling salts and cried every time she looked at the poor seal, I gave her a tongue lashing she wouldn’t soon forget. “But Henrietta, I thought it said Win A Kiss From SEAL, not Win A Kiss From A SEAL. I was only off by one letter”, she sobbed. The lady felt so sorry for her that she put her arm around Cousin H and led her down the hall saying “Now, now, dear, we have another contest where all you have to do is….”

And there I was, left holding the bag; in this case, a SEAL. What the heck was I going to do with a SEAL? Dragon Lady always says when life gives you rain, drink from a mud puddle so if I couldn’t have a Kiss from SEAL, I thought it wasn’t so bad to have a kiss from A SEAL. He turned out to be a pretty good kisser and we shared our love for sushi.

Henrietta Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Colorizing by Desiree Lonsway

Henrietta

ON HOW TO "SEAL" THE DEAL

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ports-themed animal lovers cheered on CAP as they raised over 100K at the summer's biggest party. Attendees enjoyed a live and silent auction, cocktails, dinner, a fashion show and dancing. Partying to raise money for homeless animals definitely produced lots of smiles!

Auction item donated by Houston Rockets

Stuart Page, Kelly Grant, Stephanie Page and Leonard Gremillion

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Photos By Dave Rossman Photography

Chairs Shelby Kinodeaux and Bruce Padilla

Unleashed

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FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS, DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP OR VISIT: WWW.PETTALKGOFETCH.COM

Photo Courtesy of Houston Astros

The Dish

Events August 3 Zignature & Earthwise Pet Supply Veterans Assistance Dogs of Texas Fundraiser Earthwise Pet Supply 3570 FM 1488, Ste 500, Conroe, 77384 10am to 5pm Join Zignature and Earthwise Pet Supply to raise funds for Veterans Assistance Dogs of Texas. Themed "It’s Game Day�, the event features a cornhole tournament, a chance to win prizes and fun dog contests. Donations accepted online and at the event: vadogs.org/ donate. Find details at: facebook.com/ events/372289140072691.

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August 10 Greatest Doodle Romp On Earth Houston Bark Park 710 W 27th St. Houston 77008 5pm to 7pm Step right up to the Greatest Doodle Romp on Earth! Bring your doodles to romp and help raise money for iDog Rescue, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) fosterbased rescue dedicated to the protection of Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. $20 Fee + $10 per additional Dood. Cash Only.

Enjoy goodie bags, photo booth, raffles for Astros, Rockets, and Dynamo tickets.

August 11 Emancipet Yappy Hour Axelrad 1517 Alabama St. 77004 5pm-7pm Come help raise funds and awareness with Emancipet during this Yappy Hour

event that will include drink specials and raffles. Find details at emancipet.org.

August 25 Astros Dog Day Minute Maid Park 12pm to End of Game Head out with your pup and family for America's pastime! Enjoy the annual Dog Day, presented by Tito's Handmade Vodka. Watch the Astros take on the Angels at 1:10 pm and participate in Dog Day activities such as a costume contest, pregame parade, and more! In order to bring your dog to Dog Day, you must purchase a ticket through the Dog Day link and each dog and each human must have a game ticket. Purchase tickets at astros.com/dogday.

Photo Courtesy of AniMeals on Wheels

The Dish

COMMUNITY

STCL Houston Students Raise Funds For AniMeals on Wheels

M

embers of the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) student chapter at South Texas College of Law Houston (STCL Houston) recently delivered both support and sustenance to Houston’s senior citizens — and their four-legged family members.

Through a silent auction held at the law school, the students raised more than $6,000 and donated more than $4,000 to Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s AniMeals on Wheels program, an offshoot of the organization’s popular Meals on Wheels program.

Each month, approximately 200 AniMeals volunteer drivers deliver roughly 10,000 pounds of pet food

to senior citizens throughout Harris and Galveston Counties. According to Interfaith Ministries, the AniMeals on Wheels program was founded in 2007 to ensure that Houston’s seniors would not feel compelled to share their limited food and resources with their cats and dogs.

More than 80 individuals and companies in Houston donated items to South Texas’ ALDF silent auction, including Congressman Michael McCaul, the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Houston SaberCats, Houston Grand Opera, Alley Theatre, House of Blues, Karbach Brewing Company, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Kendra Scott, and STCL Houston deans and professors, among others.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Winner!

Denver

p U s r e n n u R

s t s i l a n i F The Cha Cha

Lily

Winston

Miss DeeDee

Puddin

Tony

Wendy

A N N U A L B E AC H B U M

Photo Contest Winner & Finalists

I

t’s hot outside and a little beach action makes for a perfect opportunity to cool off and enjoy the surf. Why not show off the fun?

Check out the winner and finalists in our Annual Beach Bum Photo Contest sponsored by Sand N' Sea Properties on Galveston Island. Congratulations to Winston, a beautiful sheepdog, who will receive a big bag of goodies and a gift card to PetSmart for a little doggie shopping excursion. All of the entries were fabulous and fun! The finalists were selected by public voting and Sand N' Sea chose the winner. Our annual contest occurs each June so be sure to take your best beach shot of your pet next year and enter beginning June 1.

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The Dish CONTEST

Photo Courtesy of Houston SPCA

Houston SPCA Casting Call

W

hen it comes to being a cover model, does your pup have all the right stuff? Do you know a feline who has the purr-fect pose?

The Houston SPCA is searching for Houston’s Hottest Pets and they want you and your friends to be the judges. The Grand Prize includes the pet's photo in Houston SPCA's PetTalk AD, a private photo session for your pet, an exclusive prize

package valued at $200, and your pet on the cover in the Houston SPCA 2020 Calendar (your month of choice).

All sales from the online photo contest support the Houston SPCA’s lifesaving mission. Visit HoustonSPCA.org for more information and registration. The deadline for entry is September 4 so get your pet looking their hottest for a chance to win!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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#ShareWithUs!

FEATURED THIS MONTH:

AMERICAN CELEBRATION, ART AROUND TOWN & NOT IMPRESSED

Is there anything cuter than your pet? Of course not! We agree, so we make it easy for you to prove it...

PLAY with us on Instagram and look for our themed contests. You share with us, we share with our readers. Everybody wins!

1. @pitty_girls Hope everyone is having a happy 4th!!! – Libby 2. @denverthedude Happy 4th furiends!! Stay safe out there!



3. @coffeethedoodle Land of the free, home of the brave ‘MURRICCAA! HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY, FURRIENDS! 4. @1big1small Because I'm happy...Clap along if you know what happiness is to you!

5. @mr._brunohtx I love my city 6. @danteboy05 Be Aware of the Pitbulls, They Will Steal Your Heart

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7. @miss.bigly When it starts raining again...

8. @rou_ga_rouxs_boy Throwing stink eye at momma from the beginning... Have a wonderful TBT everyone!!

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9. @fourleggedfurcrew Do not disturb.

Sharues withtagram

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Animals in Art

T

he beauty of a flowing mane, the silly but lovable look of a pup, the sleepy attitude of a cat laying by a window‌these timeless images capture the moment and are not uncommon in art. However, if the image captured is our own pet, the relativity makes the artwork so much more endearing.

In early 2019, I was contacted by Lesley Humphrey, a renowned equine artist,

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regarding a workshop she was holding in Houston and she kindly asked if my rescue horse Freedom could be the subject of their painting for one day during the workshop. Of course I said yes! We met in advance at Wellness Ranch Equine Center where Freedom currently resides and made plans for the session - what I would wear, what a beautiful bridle I would put on Freedom, etc. As luck would have it,

the day of our adventure it poured rain.

Not just a little‌a lot. There went our "fashion" plans!

Once again, I called my friend Renee Adair to help me in my predicament. If you read the story of how I rescued Freedom in the January 2018 issue, you will recognize Renee as the angel that helped me give Freedom a new, better life. Given my inexperience, I needed Renee to help me

By Michelle Mantor get Freedom and a buddy (for company) from the pasture in the mud and rain. Thankfully, Wellness Ranch has a barn with a meeting area as well as a roof overhang, allowing the ladies to stay dry while photographing and sketching Freedom. To say Freedom was a muddy mess would not do justice to the state he was in LOL! But, it all worked out in the end. Renee and I got soaked, the ladies got to enjoy Freedom’s fun personality, and we got to chat for awhile and share horse stories. Once back to their respective homes, each artist created a finished work of art that I am sharing with you in our feature story. I hope you enjoy the Many Faces of Freedom as much as I enjoyed meeting this spirited, friendly, amazingly talented group of artists.

“Rescued”

Mixed media painting of Freedom by Lesley Humphrey lesleyhumphrey.net Lesley has served as the official artist of the Kentucky Derby and has works in prominent collections throughout Britain and the US. She is an award winning artist and teacher. She resides in Tomball, Texas.

The Many Faces of Freedom E

ach artist's unique style and interpretation of the same horse during a workshop is fascinating. At the time, the rainy day and mud seemed like a downer but in the end, the weather added an element of raw naturalness that gave the artists more options. Kudos to their talent and a big thank you to Cassie Schuster of Wellness Ranch for her hospitality!

“Ciao”

by Connie McNeel conniemcneel@gmail.com

“The Serenity of Freedom”

by Sigrid Herr drydesertrat@yahoo.com

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“All-Weather Friends”

by Julie Cross www.juliecross.co.uk

“I Hear You”

by Beth Badger facebook.com/ BethBadgerArtist

“Greeting”

by Elizabeth Davis ebeth965@gmail.com

“Faces of Freedom”

by Debby Hammit dfhammit@yahoo.com

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Featured Artists

A

nimals make great subjects for art whether the art is whimsical or realistic, painted or sketched. We selected some of our favorite local artists who all offer custom paintings of your pet. What could be a more unique gift than art for the pet lover in your life? Plus, we always encourage our readers to shop local!

Jim Tweedy

jimtweedy.com

About the artist: Jim Tweedy is the man behind our mascot for PetTalk, Henrietta, who is part of Jim's Friendly Doggy family of characters. Jim's whimsical, hilarious, unique artwork is a favorite of many collectors.

Jim also paints commissioned pieces that can include your pet in a cartoon scene...or whatever you can imagine!

Robyn Arouty

robynarouty.com

About the artist: Inspired by art, photography, and dogs, Robyn combines all three into something unique. Clients bring their dogs in for portraits at the studio, and through a bit of magic, they can have their pet in front of one of Robyn's original fine art paintings on canvas for above the mantel. They make quite the conversation piece!

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Julie Dow

julie dow/artist-FB

About the artist: Julie has been passionate about art since childhood.

From drawing pictures to making mud sculptures, she followed her dream and majored in art. She later combined her love of dogs and painting, with the goal of capturing each pet's expressions to the delight of their owners.

Kristel Peale

peale@sbcglobal.net

About the artist: Kristel has been a long-time supporter of PetTalk and we love her beautiful watercolors! She can paint your pet from a simple photograph and capture their personality for a keepsake or thoughtful gift. Your painting can also be depicted on note cards which are perfect for sending a handwritten note to friends.

Riley Burwell Junior Artist About the artist: Riley is a junior high school attendee at Nolan Ryan Junior High in Pearland. She's a budding artist that has attended the Glassell School of art at the Museum of Fine arts in Houston. Riley has experimented with every paint medium from pastels, to water color, to charcoal. As an avid animal lover, she lives with, two dogs, a cat, two rabbits, and a hamster.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Oodles of Doodles: The Poodle Mix Craze

By Michelle Mantor Photos by Jill Garrett, jillgarrettphotography.com Photos taken at Smithers Park

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D

oodles are everywhere! If you know 10 people with a dog, odds are someone in the group probably has a Doodle - which is a Standard Poodle mixed with another breed. So why is there such a Doodle craze? We put this question to a group of Doodle moms and dads that gathered at Smithers Park for a fun photo session (with any Doodle that wanted to join us) and we found a common theme: Doodles are just plain fun to be around!

According to owner Kelly Shaw, “The Doodle breed is a great mix because they are both loving and playful.” Other Doodle parents commented on their loyalty, minimal shedding and agreeable temperament.

According to legend, the Doodle breed began a few decades ago when a guide dog breeder was contacted by a lady needing a guide dog but her husband was allergic to fur. The breeder, knowing the Standard Poodle was relatively non-shedding, bred a Poodle to a working dog, a Labrador Retriever and the Labradoodle was born. The breed did not take off immediately but once the word got out, the Doodle craze started turning up Goldendoodles, Sheepadoodles, Schnoodles and many other variations.

We thought it would be fun to meet some of Houston’s Doodles and share their muppet-esque, adorable faces with you. If you want to learn more about Doodles, check out the Doodle Romp August 10 (see our calendar for details).

If you are interested in adopting a Doodle, Houston has a Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Rescue, IDOG Rescue, where you might just catch the Doodle bug too! Visit them at facebook.com/IDOGRescue.

As our photoshoot was winding down and we were heading to the car, I heard one Doodle mom exclaim, “I’ve never met an unfriendly Doodle.” That just sums it up nicely!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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My name is Leela and I love posing for photos. Mom says I need all of the attention and when I don't get it, i "insesrt myself in the situation." She's right.

Meet Abby, whose mom Ellie says Doodles are the best because they are playful...and don't shed!

Hey, I'm Chloe, sister to Abby. I can open doors. Yep, I said it.

Say hello to this adorable Doodle whose name we didn't get (although we worked hard to uncover it on Instagram).

Whoever you are...you are a cutie pie!

Meet Silva - a playfu

l gal who is credited with Olympic level jumping skills .

Hey y'all, my name is Toby. My perfect day is to head down to the Gulf of Mexico for beach da y.. .surf's up, fish are jumpin'...let's go !

Give a big hello to Bruin, the largest Doodle of the group (he's mixed with Great Dane). He also knows how to give a big welcome by bringing a toy to mom and dad.

Meet Charlie, a 9 month old Doodle that likes to wear shoes. He also admits to being a momma's boy.... who could resist those eyes??

o

true, I will d George. It's is e m na y m Hi, a French fry! anything for

My name is Bailey and although I'm just a pup at 14 months old, I have a great sense of humor.

I take my parent's socks off when they are walking. Hee Hee.

I'm Milo. Most of th e time I'm chill...unle ss I see food on the counter then I work on my surfing skills.

Meet Tucker and Finnegan who are described as "sweet and loving" by mom Jennifer. #Adorable!

and Izzy. Mom Lisa Say hello to super-doodles Axel l is Houston’s only Axe e says she is a proud mom becaus funeral home therapy dog. Cool!

This dynamic duo is Sooie and Teddy. Sooie is known at home as "the cat dog" and Teddy is simply a charmer!

Say hello to Onyx who is just 17 months young and credited with being sassy... but also her mom's buddy!

o is also a Sanford, wh as n ow kn d pagus is lap, who coul This fluffleu te large for a ui q s e' h h g ou lap dog. Alth at face? say no to th

Hi, I’m Maple and I give a big thumbs up to Smithers Park and all of the fun art!

Meet Bronx and Bella... two 5 yr. old buddies who love to play fetch. Mom Diana says the Doodle temperament is what makes them an awesome breed.

Meet your new best friend at ADORE Houston.

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LOVE OUR PLANET NO SHED SCRUBS

Barco One™ Wellness scrub sets have seen a surge in popularity among veterinarians, pet groomers, dog walkers, zookeepers, and animal wranglers of all kinds, due to the scrub fabrics’ antistatic properties which allow animal hair to release quickly from the surface of the fabric. The scrubs are also moisture-wicking with 4-way stretch that is designed to release soil and a temperature regulating component allows the wearer to stay fresh smelling, ultra-cool and composed, even through the busiest days with the rowdiest of animal clientele.

As an added element, Barco One™’s fabric also incorporates a major sustainability factor: each garment incorporates 5 recycled plastic bottles in its fabric.

Barco One™ Wellness is infused with health-promoting biominerals designed to combine with comforting, super-soft 4-way stretch fabric blended with natural chemistry to provide restorative benefits. Get yours at barcouniforms.com.

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There may not be a more eco-conscious pet toothbrush on the planet. This brush by woobamboo is coated with natural wax, biodegradable, packaged in recycled material, the bamboo is sustainably grown, organic, BPA-free, naturally anti-microbial, durable, and stylish too! Find yours on etsy.com.

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Constructed with high density eco-friendly material, the KATRIS Nest is a multi-functional cat lounge fit for rubbing, resting and scratching. Its ergonomic design (100+ side panels) moves independently with your cat’s body, giving the ultimate massage. The KATRIS Nest is the ideal size (19” bowl shape) for any cat and comes with a replaceable center scratch pad.

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Health

PET EMERGENCIES

By: Dr.Laura Noaker, VERGI Emergency and Critical Care Hospital, vergi247.com

A GUIDE TO PRE-PLANNING

I

f you’re a pet parent, chances are that at some point you will spend time in a veterinary emergency hospital. Murphy’s law tells us that an emergency will probably happen on a weekend, holiday or when your primary care veterinarian’s office is closed. So what do you do?

It’s always wise to have an emergency plan in place, just in case you need it.

Having your veterinarian’s phone number,

a good idea to talk to your primary care veterinarian and see if they are associated with an emergency facility. If they are, add that emergency contact phone to your index card as well. These simple steps could help alleviate the stresses of an emergency and be a key to the success of your pet’s quick treatment.

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

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

It’s wise to have a copy in there as well.

During your pre-planning process, it’s

1. Phone your primary care veterinarian first. If they are not available, they will direct you to an emergency hospital that they have a relationship with and trust.

2. It is important to remain calm and protect yourself. Animals in pain often bite so protect yourself. Chances are, pets are scared, in pain, and just trying to protect themselves from further injury.

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Approach them calmly, slowly, and gently.

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

3. Never attempt home remedies.

Don’t endanger your pet’s life with some Internet-discovered home remedy! Most of those remedies are wrong anyway!

There’s a lot of good and bad information out there but the safest plan is to allow a trained professional to help.

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

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

5. Driving with an injured pet can be difficult. It is important to drive safely.

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

Once you arrive at the emergency hospital, the emergency team will take over from there. With your pre-planning card, you now have all your pet’s information you’ll need to help them take the best care of your beloved pet.

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

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Health COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

By: Dr. Julia Spade, DVM Last Wishes | www.lastwishes.com

...ABOUT YOUR DOG AND CAT “IT’S HEALTHY FOR ME SO IT MUST BE GOOD FOR MY PET.” Although humans, dogs and cats are all mammals, that doesn’t necessarily mean they can all eat the same diet. Cats are carnivores and need a high protein diet.

Dogs are omnivores and need protein and grains in their diet. It is important that our pets eat a high-quality dog or cat food that is balanced by a veterinary nutritionist.

Medications that people take can be dangerous for pets, so it is very important to talk to your veterinarian before giving them any human medications or supplements. Different species have different enzymes to metabolize drugs so some human medications can be toxic for dogs and cats.

There can be wide variation in the quality of a supplement due to less regulation of these items. When you have a

veterinary visit for your pet, it is helpful to bring the supplements with you. Then your veterinarian can make the best recommendations for your individual pet.

“DOGS CAN HELP HEAL WOUNDS BY LICKING AT THEM.” Dogs have a high amount of bacteria in their mouths. By licking a wound they are introducing more bacteria which could lead to worsening infection. When your pet has a wound it is important that they do not lick the area. There are a number of ways to keep your pet from licking that include more than the typical Elizabethan collar (E-collar). Ask your veterinarian what would be best to protect the wounded area.

“MY PET DOESN’T NEED HEARTWORM OR FLEA PREVENTION BECAUSE THEY HARDLY GO

OUTSIDE.” Heartworms are transferred to your pet by mosquito bites. Mosquitoes will get indoors and it may take just one bite for your pet to be infected with heartworms.

It is healthier to keep your pet on preventatives than to treat the adult heartworms.

Fleas can be brought in on clothes, socks and shoes. Fleas only live on your pet for part of their life cycle. Just one female flea can lay 50 eggs per day which then fall in the cracks, crevices and rugs in your house and can cause a flea infestation very quickly. Even if your pet is mostly indoors, it’s important to keep them on flea and heartworm prevention year-round to avoid treating your pet or your house in the future.

“MY PET IS OLDER SO THERE’S NO REASON TO GO TO THE VET SINCE THEY NO LONGER NEED VACCINES.” Senior and geriatric pets need to be seen by a veterinarian once to twice a year. There is much more to preventative health care than just vaccinations. Your vet will make recommendations based on your senior pet’s needs in regards to vaccines, bloodwork and dental care. Making a diagnosis early helps your veterinarian intervene before an illness progresses.

“MY PET IS STILL EATING SO IT MUST NOT BE SICK.” Pets will often still be eating some or all of their food even when they have discomfort, pain or an internal illness. Eating and drinking behaviors are important to monitor so that we can diagnose and treat illnesses earlier. Dogs and cats have evolved to mask their pain and will often keep eating even when they are not well.

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Health

THE 411 ON FLEAS

By: Renee Poche, DVM, VCA Hospitals

PREVENTION IS THE KEY

S

tudies show, for pets coming into the clinic with fleas, 50% of their owners did not even know! They may be harder to spot than you think.

Tackling this pesky issue begins with understanding the flea’s life cycle.

It all starts with the eggs: these are unlikely to be seen without a magnifying glass. They are laid onto your pet after an adult flea has a blood meal. They can either stay on the skin, or fall off into the environment to continue their cycle.

They then hatch within 2-4 weeks as flea larvae. High humidity and temperature can cause an increased time to hatching (Houston weather, anyone?).

These larvae can then hide deep into carpet, or outside into soil, leaves, etc.

Their next step in the life cycle is the pupae (similar to a cocoon phase).

At this stage, they are able to “hibernate” up to 9 months! It is also during this period that they are resistant to many insecticides applied to the environment and can become a major uphill battle to tackle in both your home and yard.

When the environment is favorable, these babies quickly become adults within 5-10 days. This is the stage when the fleas are taking their first blood meal on your pets, and producing up to 40 eggs per day.

The most important step in controlling this major problem is flea preventative.

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Every pet in the household should be covered on an FDA approved flea preventative (preferably prescription).

With knowing the flea life cycle, the next important step is treating the environment. This may take several rounds of

treatment (both inside and outdoors) in all areas that the pets are exposed to.

SOME OTHER IMPORTANT FACTS: ❖

Do not use products labeled for dogs on cats. Certain ingredients, like

permethrin, are extremely toxic to cats!

Flea infestations can be deadly in puppies, kittens or debilitated animals; causing them to become anemic ❖ They carry yucky diseases, that can be harmful to both pets and humans: including the plague, tapeworms, bartonella, and rickettsia ❖ When treating your home, be sure to vacuum any carpeted areas/sofas and cushions, and wash all beddings/linens. This can help by picking up those resistant pupae, and even stimulating them to break out of their cocoon and therefore become susceptible to the environmental sprays ❖ When trying to spot fleas on your pets: look for small black specs. These are best seen near the tail area, deep under the coat. This is flea poop! ❖ With any signs of itching and scratching, my first suspect is always fleas! ❖ Some pets are even more affected by fleas, and actually have an allergy to the flea’s saliva. This is called Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) and can become a severe issue.

Make sure that all of your pets are current on their annual exams, and always stay up to date on preventatives. Talk to your veterinarian about which preventative is the right one for both you and your fur-babies! ❖

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Tail End

GOODBYE SHINGLE, HELLO UMBRELLA THOUGHTS ON THE FUTURE OF THE VETERINARY PROFESSION By: Andrew Tesh, DVM

T

he building may be the same.

You may be greeted by the same smiling faces. Even your veterinarian may not skip a beat. But, behind closed doors, the veterinary industry as we know it is changing, and rapidly.

In 2018, Americans spent over $18 billion on veterinary care and that number is only expected to rise as more and more people seek top-level care for their “furbabies”. This fact is not lost to big banks and wall street. Large publicly traded companies, with bank investor backing, have been scrambling to buy as many small private veterinary practices as they can over the last two decades.

The concept of a veterinarian rolling into town; hanging her shingle on the side of the building; and working hard to grow her very own practice – has gone the way of the pioneers in their wagons headed west. In fact, many new graduates of veterinary school find that the only opportunities available to them are to work for a company- forever. With the average debt of a vet student being roughly $185,000, there is no real incentive not to fold under a corporate umbrella.

This loss of the individual owner in the name of capitalistic progress may seem

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unfair. However, there are benefits veterinarians have begun to experience for the first time in the history of the field. Access to major medical group healthcare has become a key selling point for many companies seeking to buy clinics. Also, pooling revenue across hundreds of clinics allows veterinarians to live off a fixed salary instead of dealing with the wax-and-wane and bottom-line issues faced by a small business.

But what is the price? The banks expect their money back and the enduser (aka pet owner) will ultimately be responsible. There are two ways the large companies achieve results.

The first is Fragmentation – having separate facilities each dedicated to one aspect of veterinary care. This decreases the company’s overhead.

Fragmentation is why you see so many wellness-only or vaccine-only clinics. With no need to provide surgery or diagnostic testing, a clinic can operate on a low budget. You would then be referred to a specialty or emergency clinic (owned by the same big company) if your pet was sick. The other way umbrella companies are driving the industry is Consolidation – buying then closing clinics in the same geographic area that are redundant. This decreases market saturation but keeps a clinic available for the area.

The corporatization of health care is not a new idea. Optometrists, dentists, chiropractors and even your family doctor have all been through this before. And, for the most part, most people are still

happy with the care they receive. But this price of progress must address the deeper issues in the veterinary world. The debt to income ratio for new vets is abysmal.

The costs of both equipment and drugs is skyrocketing. There is no comprehensive pet health insurance to off-set the costs to the public.

So yes, one way for veterinarians to stave off pressures of the “single shingle” is to become part of a large corporate umbrella. However, there is another option that offers the feel of self-ownership without the administrative burdens, and that is the franchise option. Franchise ownership gives the veterinarian all of the business backing she would receive from an umbrella yet allowing her to realize the dream of owning her own clinic.

There is no doubt our industry is changing, and veterinarians must decide the path that best suits their needs. To me, autonomy of ownership blended with a proven framework of best business practices is certainly a good choice to consider!

Disclosure: Dr. Tesh’s thoughts and opinions do not represent the opinion of this magazine or any veterinary group/ agency. He feels very passionate about the future of his career and has formed a veterinary franchise group – Bingle Vet Clinics – in Houston, TX. For more information visit binglevetclinics.com.

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Tail End

PET SAFETY

TIPS TO LIVE BY By: Michelle Mantor

CAR SAFETY

Itzamara Garcia, for using her head and not her emotions when it comes to her pup going on a ride-a-long. I know it's tempting to let our pets sit in our lap or ride unsecured in the car, but if you were to be in an accident, your pet becomes a dangerous projectile and you both can be seriously harmed.

I also would like to give a BIG knucklehead award to all of you people that let your dog ride unsecured in the back of your pick-up truck. And one last note on car safety, don't leave pets unattended in the car. The inside temp of a car can heat up faster than you would ever imagine!

I recently had a reader send me this fabulous photo of her Doodle SAFELY riding along in the car and it reminded me that talking about pet safety is a subject we can never talk to much about! It seems most everyday I see a pet owner driving SWIMMING SAFETY down the street with their dog hanging Next on our summer safety tips is out the window. swimming pool Although your safety. No, not all pup might enjoy pets can swim! the wind in their Some pets take face, it is quite naturally to the obvious this water, others eiis a recipe for ther do not have disaster should an affinity for you have to swimming or perstop suddenly haps they have or you are hit by a heavy coat or another driver difficulty breath(who is probably ing because they texting). The are a "smashed safest way for face" breed. Plus, your pet to travel EVEN if your pet is either in a secan swim, they cured carrier or Photo submitted by PetTalk Reader may not know in a safety seat Itzamara Garcia of her dog "Sophia" how to get out of belt like the one the pool and may Sophia is usswim until exhausted. ing in this photo. Hats off to her owner,

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The statistics on pets that drown in backyard watering holes is unconfirmed but many agree it's substantial but avoidable. First, provide swimming lessons

for your pet if necessary. Second, make sure they know how to access the exit to the pool (practice!). Third, always keep a safety swim vest on your pet when they are around the pool or lake. Fourth, if you have a pool and a doggy door, one or the other needs to be inaccessible when the pet is not under direct supervision. Either keep a gate around your pool, a swim collar on your pet or restrict access to the pet door.

A few products can help you in your quest to keep your pet from injury or drowning. To keep it simple, there are car safety harnesses that double as a walking harness and safety belt so that you don't have to put one on and take one off, etc.

As for swimming, there are many vests on the market but one product that your pet can wear throughout the day if you have a pool or lake and your pet has unrestricted access is the HedzUpPets Collar (hedzuppets.com). Because it is a collar and not a vest, it is less cumbersome to wear throughout the day.

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your pets, including both travel and swimming. With just a few safety items and routines, you can keep your pet out of harm's way.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

57

Tail End

WEED

WARNING

PETS &

POT DON’T

MIX

By: American Veterinary Medical Association

D

id you know that 11 states have now legalized marijuana? This legal trend may be welcomed by some the people of these states, but it could present a danger to our pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is encouraging all pet owners to make sure an increase in legalization doesn’t lead to an increase in pet poisonings.

While marijuana use can be a pleasurable experience for people, it can

A 2012 study showed that cases of marijuana toxicosis at two Colorado veterinary hospitals quadrupled over a five-year period (2005-10) during which the number of state medical marijuana registrations increased by more than 100 percent.

Two dogs died after eating baked goods containing tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in cannabis, the study stated. be scary and dangerous for dogs.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance in marijuana that produces a high for humans, is toxic to dogs, and can cause vomiting, incoordination, depression, sleepiness or excitation, low blood pressure, low body temperature and seizures. Death is rare but there have been a few cases reported.

Marijuana poisonings have been on the rise in dogs in recent years. In 2019 the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center reported a 765% increase in calls about marijuana ingestion by animals over the same period last year. The Pet Poison

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Helpline has reported an over 400% increase in marijuana-related calls over the past six years. And anecdotally, the AVMA has heard from member veterinarians reporting an increased number of pets coming into their clinics with signs of marijuana intoxication.

Legalization of medical and recreational marijuana may increase the chances of dogs ingesting harmful amounts of the drug. For example, a 2012 study showed that cases of marijuana toxicosis at two Colorado veterinary hospitals quadrupled over a five-year period (2005-10) during which the number of state medical marijuana registrations increased by more

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than 100 percent. Two dogs died after eating baked goods containing tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in cannabis, the study stated.

Edible products--such as pot brownies, candy bars and other baked goods--are a particular concern. Due to its lipophilic (“fat-loving”) nature, THC is highly concentrated in the butter used for such edible products compared to plant material.

Therefore these products can cause pets

to become particularly ill. These products could pose an increased risk due to additional toxic ingredients, such as chocolate, raisins or sugar-free sweeteners such as xylitol, which could compound their toxicity.

There may also be risks of smoking around your pets, as toxic exposures are possible. If you smoke marijuana, the AVMA recommends that you do so away from your pets. As with any drug, you should make sure to keep it secure and inaccessible to your pets.

Even if you don’t bring marijuana into your house, legalization could increase the chances of your dog coming upon a discarded joint or edible while outdoors.

Keeping your dog on a leash and preventing them from grazing while out on walks can prevent such exposures.

If your pets show any signs of marijuana toxicity--if they appear off-balance, rigid or nervous, if they’re drooling or dribbling urine, vocalizing or having seizures-please get them to a veterinarian as quickly as possible.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 93,000 member veterinarians worldwide are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. Visit avma.org for more information.

HOUSTONSPCA.ORG

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Finding A Lost Pet: Where To Look

By: Sandee Roquemore-Maxwell

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or anyone who has ever lost a pet, you understand the sheer terror that runs through you upon discovering that you have lost a furry family member. You immediately wonder if they are safe or if they have been injured. Our pets are not usually “street wise”, and because we see and hear of injured pets so often, this is forefront in our mind. Our instinct is to care for them and protect them. We can definitely drive ourselves crazy with thoughts about their condition or whereabouts.

It goes without saying that every pet owner hopes they will never lose their pet, but no matter how careful you are, it CAN happen, even when you do your

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very best to prevent it. While statistics vary according to which study you look at, about 1 out of every 3 pets will get lost, even if it is only briefly, at some point in their life. And, if they don’t have ID, only

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about 10% will ever make it back home.

Again, statistics vary but the bottom line is, it does not look very good for the pet or their family if an animal is lost without any identification chip or tag.

In 2018, the Harris County Animal Shelter stats show that only 8.7% of dogs and 1.4% of cats that came into the shelter as strays ever left with their family.

Roughly half of those numbers actually had some sort of ID when they entered the shelter.

If the unfortunate happens and your pet goes missing, where do you start the search? There are a number of ways to search and places to look in the Houston area, making the process complicated and daunting. The first go-to for many has been to put up signs, canvas the neighborhood and check with the nearest veterinary clinics. If that method works, GREAT! But if not, then what You may not realize this, but there are more than 30 LOCAL SHELTERS in Houston and surrounding areas. By looking at the adjacent map, you can get an idea of the overwhelming number of places to visit to find your lost pet. Plus, your lost little one MAY NOT be at the one closest to where they were last seen.

The Harris County Shelter’s territory stretches across our area in such a way that it is hard to keep up with all the places they service. They pick up strays from Katy, Spring, Humble, Crosby, Kingwood, Atascocita, Baytown, Tomball, Cypress and even parts of Friendswood. And truly, this is NOT nearly an all-inclusive list of where they pick up lost pets. BARC, the city shelter, services Houston proper, and of course there are numerous other shelters spread across our area.

Most of these shelters have photos of the animals housed in their shelter online.

However, because your little fluff ball may

look totally different after being gone from your home, it is highly suggested that you go to the facilities in person to be sure you don’t miss your pet by not recognizing them in their photo or video. You can also search or post on Craigslist and NextDoor. These sites are often very helpful.

In addition, there are also many online resources you can post or search on, and some offer services to help you find your lost pet. A few include: ❖ PawBoost.com ❖ HelpingLostPets.com ❖ HomeAgain.com ❖ LostMyDoggie.com If you are a Facebook user, there are about 100 LOST AND FOUND Facebook pages for our area alone. There are quite a few that are intended to be used for animals lost anywhere in the Houston/ Harris County area, and there are also dozens for smaller areas such as Katy, Crosby, Spring, Cypress, Spring Brach, Pasadena, etc. Believe it or not, there are even some Facebook pages that are BREED specific for lost pets, such as pages for lost Huskies, Yorkies, and many others.

As you can see, losing and searching for a pet is not a simple task. It can take many hours and lots of help from others.

To minimize finding yourself in this situation, be mindful of the steps needed in your home to keep doors and yards secure. At a minimum, microchip your pet. It is not expensive and it’s the best chance you have of finding a pet should they go missing. I hope you never experience the fear of looking for a lost pet, but in case you do, or someone in your circle of influence does, please keep this information handy!

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City of Houston BARC houstontx.gov/barc (713) 837-0311 Harris County Shelter countypets.org (281) 999-3191 Houston SPCA houstonspca.org (713) 869-SPCA (7722) Houston Humane Society houstonhumane.org (713) 433-6421 Citizen’s for Animal Protection cap4pets.org (281) 497-0591 Special Pals Shelter specialpalsshelter.org (281) 579-7387 Missouri City Shelter missouricitytx.gov (281) 403-8570 Sugar Land Shelter sugarlandtx.gov/Petopia (281) 275-2364 Fort Bend County fortbendcountytx.gov (281) 342-1512 Rosenberg Shelter rosenbergtx.gov/public-services/animal-control (832) 595-3490 Katy Shelter cityofkaty.com/departments/animal-control (281) 391-4740 Conroe Shelter mcaspets.org (936) 442-7738 Montgomery County Shelter asvtexas.org South Houston Shelter southhoustontx.org (713) 378-5788

15. Pearland Shelter pearlandtx.gov/departments/animal-services (281) 652- 1970 16. Baytown Animal Control baytown.org (281-422-7600) 17. Humble Shelter adoptapet.com/cityofhumbleanimalshelter (281) 446-2327 18. Webster Shelter cityofwebster.com/442/Animal-Control (281) 316-3709 19. League City Shelter www.leaguecity.com/592/Animal-Control (281) 554-1377 20. Bayou Animal Services Dickinsonbayouanimalservices.org (281) 337-3117 21. Friendswood Animal Control ci.friendswood.tx.us/Animal-Control (281) 996-3391 22. Deer Park Shelter deerparktx.gov (281) 478-7274 23. Bellaire Shelter bellairetx.gov/954/Animal-Control (713) 668-0487 24. West University Shelter westutx.gov/286/Animal-Control (713) 662-5839 25. Brazoria County Shelter animalshelter.org/shelters/Brazoria 26. Brazoria County SPCA spcabc.org (979) 285-2340 27. Stafford Shelter staffordtx.gov/departments/police/animal-control.html (281) 261-3950 28. Friends for Life friends4life.org (713) 863-9835 29. Seabrook seabrooktx.gov/212/Animal-Control (281) 291-5644 Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Thank you to the Houston Zoo for their hospitality during our photoshoot with these fabulous creatures.

You too can feed the tortoises..It's a new Encounter at the zoo.

Check houstonzoo.org for details.

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Photographybyprudence.com

WHY I LOVE ANIMALS

By: Michelle Mantor

Why I Love Animals is a monthly feature written by our Editor with the mission of educating the public on the value of all species.

t’s pretty well understood at this point that I have an affinity for all animals…even a respect for the ones I fear. I’m drawn to the many species that inhabit our world, with their never ending list of unique features and abilities that for some, has evolved over thousands if not millions of years. Evolution is what defines one of the most unique qualities of this month’s subject, the Galápagos tortoise. If there were a contest for the animal that exemplified longevity, this terrestrial being would surely win!

These animals belong to an ancient group of reptiles, appearing about 250 million years ago. By the Late Cretaceous, 70 or 80 million years ago, some had already become gigantic.

Tortoises reached the Galápagos Islands nearly 1 million years ago, however, most of the gigantic species began to disappear about 100,000 years ago. Isn’t it mind boggling to think a species survived an incredibly changing planet for millions of years? And, not only has the tortoise survived, it boasts one of the longest life spans of any animal on earth.

The Galápagos tortoises you see here in the photo at the Houston Zoo are noted to live over 150 years (the light colored tortoise is an African spur-thighed tortoise; not pictured but in the exhibit is the Radiated tortoise which are much smaller). Records indicate an Aldabra giant tortoise named Adwaita may have been the longest living at an estimated 255 years. In general, most tortoise species can live 80–150 years. That’s a very long life!

Sometimes referred to as turtles, tortoises differ from turtles in that they are landdwelling whereas turtles are partly aquatic. But, like turtles, tortoises have a shell to protect from predators and other threats. The shell is hard and they retract their necks and heads directly backwards into the shell to protect them.

When I think of Galápagos, I immediately connect the islands to Charles Darwin, the famous English biologist known for his contributions to science and evolution.

During his second

voyage to the Galápagos Islands in 1835, his observation of the shell size and shape variances between tortoise populations contributed to his theory of evolution. On islands with humid highlands, the tortoises are larger, with domed shells and short necks; on islands with dry lowlands, the tortoises are smaller, with "saddleback" shells and long necks. Actually, the Galápagos Islands were named for their giant tortoises; the old Spanish word "galapago" meant saddle, a term early explorers used for the tortoises due to the shape of their shells.

As herbivores, the diet of the Galápagos tortoise includes cactus pads, grasses, and native fruit. During my encounter at the zoo, they readily chomped on the lettuce provided by the staff and might I say that if I were not paying attention, they could chomp down that lettuce quickly leaving my finger as the next bite! Along with the lettuce, they were also enjoying cactus pads during our feeding session.

In regards to mating, tortoises are once again quite “no nonsense” about their procreation.

Once mating season has ran its course, the female tortoises migrate to nesting zones to

lay their eggs. A female can lay from 1-4 nests over a nesting season. She digs the hole with her hind feet, then lets the eggs drop down into the nest, and finally covers it again with her hind feet. She actually doesn’t see what she is doing.

The number of eggs ranges from 2-7 for saddle-backed tortoises to sometimes more than 20-25 eggs for domed tortoises. The eggs incubate from 110 to 175 days (depending on the outside temperature). After hatching, the young hatchlings remain in the nest for a few weeks before emerging out a small hole. The sex of a tortoise is determined by the temperature of incubation, with females developing at slightly hotter temperatures.

You may be wondering about tortoise communication.

During mating, there is some “noise” that is akin to a groaning sound.

Otherwise, these ancient creatures are rather silent, opting for behavior as a guide for communication. I will also testify to the fact that when “surprised” the tortoise will retract its head and you will hear somewhat of a hissing sound. Whenever I was a little to abrupt in my feeding, I was treated to this behavior which I respected.

No one, including humans, likes to be surprised or overwhelmed so I quickly altered my style of offering the lettuce.

Ultimately, the tortoise is quite a survivor and a reminder that we humans have only occupied the planet for a mere moment compared to some other species.

We are “guests” of God’s planet. As a guest, we should strive to respect those that were here before us, those that have endured untold change and those that bring value to our ecological system.

A good guest is polite, cleans up after themselves, never presumes what they are allowed to do, and certainly never insults or injures the host. I’m afraid that as guests on this planet, the human race has done all of these things and more to our animal ancestors. We can do better by these magnificent creatures. I hope you will join me in the crusade to respect our environment and honor all sentient beings.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

63

CONSERVATION CORNER

By: Taylor Rhoades, Conservation Action Analyst at Houston Zoo and Anna Vallery, Conservation Specialist at Houston Audubon

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 organizations. This issue, we are highlighting the zoo's efforts to protect birds. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

A blue jay visits bird-friendly participant, Stephanie Adam’s yard.

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id you know you can help support and protect birds from the comfort of your home? You can by making a few simple changes to your outdoor space, no matter the size! The Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo Conservation and Bird Department staff encourage guests to make bird-friendly commitments at this year’s Zoo Ball.

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www.houstonpettalk.com

PHOTOS: STEPHANIE ADAMS, HOUSTON ZOO

SUPPORTING HOUSTON’S LOCAL BIRDS IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

and Houston Audubon have teamed up to create easy steps to help Houstonians attract birds to their yards, patios, or balconies. Every green space counts, so we worked to pinpoint the top actions that you can take to create natural spaces that will provide habitat and resources for birds like screech owls, blue jays, and ruby-throated hummingbirds.

Houston Audubon and the Houston Zoo created the Bird-Friendly Eco-Team – a group of 17

Houston Zoo employees who committed to taking bird-friendly actions at home for the duration of one year.

The team met monthly from March 2018 to August 2018 to uncover the things people found most challenging (barriers), and the things they found most rewarding (benefits), about carrying out at least one of the following bird-friendly behaviors: 1. Plant and maintain native plants for birds 2. Install and maintain a water feature 3. Install and maintain a nest box 4. Install and maintain a feeder From September 2018 to March 2019, participating staff were asked to continue carrying out the above

Houston Zoo Bird-Friendly Eco-Team members

commitments and to use a Facebook group established for the team as the main form of communication in place of monthly meetings. In this Facebook community, the group continues to make notes on barriers and benefits they encounter, techniques they find useful for keeping them both engaged and accountable in their bird-friendly commitments, and share successes with others!

Common barriers included time to plan and plant, financial resources to

make purchases, and lack of knowledge about which plants are truly native and supportive of wildlife. Benefits that motivated the team included the satisfaction of supporting migrating birds and the ability to connect family members to nature at home.

“Even if my plants were struggling, doing things like keeping up with my bird feeders brought everything full circle as I was still able to see wildlife show up.” – Sheryl Kolasinski (COO) “I was amazed that I was able to

create a whole eco-system on my small concrete patio – I was able to create a beautiful green space for wildlife with all of my plants in pots!” – Nathalie Jolicoeur (Membership Department) Each participating Zoo staff member helped the Zoo and Houston Audubon uncover ways to realistically meet the needs of a greater number of Houstonians, ensuring long-term, wildlife-saving success. The barrier and benefit research collected by the team is being used to inform the structure and tools used for sharing resources with Zoo and Audubon guests. The birdfriendly yard campaign has already been introduced at three Zoo events this year, and both organizations will offer more opportunities for guests to make their own bird-friendly commitment at events this fall!

For more information on the BirdFriendly Communities program and to learn how to make your yard birdfriendly, visit www.birdfriendlyhouston. org/getstarted. To get the latest updates on native plant sales, follow Houston Audubon on Facebook.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

65

RESCUE REVEALED

TEXAS GULF COAST BULL TERRIER RESCUE

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n the late 1990's, Texas Gulf Coast Bull Terrier Rescue rehomed just a couple of English Bull Terriers annually.

Over the next 20 years, incoming numbers escalated and the group now has an intake of 70 or 80 dogs every year from across South Texas and Louisiana. This unique breed’s popularity has grown no doubt due to fictional characters such as Bud Light’s “Spuds MacKenzie”, “Bullseye” the Target dog, and the movie “Frankenweenie”.

Bull Terriers are not the dog for everyone, as new unsuspecting owners find out as their puppy reaches adolescence...which is why the TGCBTR volunteers are always kept busy helping owners with health and training issues, as well as making sure all the rescues are brought back to good health and matched with their perfect forever family. Bull Terriers can range from a highly-strung athlete to a couch potato, and they are prone to getting into mischief, so crate-training from an early age is essential!

MEET MONA According to the French, Spanish and Irish, “Mona” can be interpreted as love, doll, cute monkey, or noble one – and this sweet little girl certainly lives up to her name. When Mona joined TGCBTR from a rural south Texas shelter, she was extremely thin, had skin issues and a nasty infected tail injury. She was timid, shut-down and traumatized, but Bull Terriers are a resilient and forgiving breed and she soon began to put her awful past behind her and open up to her foster mom. She enjoyed making friends with the two resident Bull Terriers and gained confidence from them and a desire to enjoy life to the fullest! Mona loves to go for walks, unless it’s raining, and she will let you know in no uncertain terms if her dinner isn’t served quickly enough! She is the perfect first-time Bull Terrier who is well mannered and loves to cuddle. This cheeky sweetheart, along with many other Adopt-ABulls, are ready for new homes – all the details can be found on the rescue page: texasbullterrier.org.

MONA

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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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